Symptoms of a leg fracture can vary depending on the type of fracture sustained. Common symptoms include:
- Pain
- Swelling or tenderness in the affected leg area
- Difficulty bearing weight or moving
- Severe cases may involve noticeable changes in the leg’s external shape.
Specific Symptoms Based on Leg Fracture Type:
- Femur Shaft Fracture:
- Pain
- Thigh bruising
- Swelling
- Inability to bear weight
- Difficulty moving the knee or hip on the affected side
- Bone fragments may protrude through the skin.
- Tibia or Tibia and Fibula Shaft Fracture:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising in the lower leg
- Tenderness
- Deformity in the lower leg shape
- Abnormal foot alignment
- Visible bone fragments, especially if the fracture breaks the skin.
- Fibula Fracture:
- Tenderness at the fracture site
- Localized swelling
- Pain on the outer side of the lower leg, exacerbated by weight-bearing activities like walking.
When to Seek Medical Attention:
- Immediate medical attention is crucial if you or someone you know displays signs of a leg fracture. Delaying treatment can prolong healing time and lead to complications.
- Seek medical care for any leg fracture, whether from high-impact accidents like motorcycle collisions or low-impact incidents such as direct hits.
- Thighbone fractures, especially, require urgent attention due to the potential for life-threatening injuries.