Injuries: What You Don’t Know Will Hurt You
The term “injury” is very general. It can mean a twisted ankle or it can be a burn that covers a large percentage of the body. An injury can be caused by slipping on the street, or by being in a car accident. This guide will touch upon some of the most common injuries and lead you to places on the Web where you can learn about them and find the steps you should take to treat these injuries.
Expand All Guide SectionsSprains and Strains
Sprains and strains are not the same thing. A sprain happens when a ligament (the tissue that ... read more »
Fractures and Broken Bones
Fractures are technically broken bones, although they are often thought to be less serious. Fractures can be life threatening if sustained in certain parts of the body, such as the pelvis. The Web can help you understand and properly heal this common injury.
Dulcinea's Insight
- You will not find out about specific types of fractures in this section, as this is a general guide to fractures. The general information can be useful to get a better understanding of fractures overall. You might find a site dedicated to a specific type of fracture more useful if you are looking for information because you actually have a fractured bone.
- Osteoporosis, a condition traditionally found in people over 50, causes brittle bones. This makes those with the condition more prone to fractures. For more information, see our findingDulcinea Osteoporosis Web Guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
For an overview …
WebMD
explains what fractures are and the different types of fractures that can occur. Unlike most sources, WebMD explains how a fracture in an older person can differ from a fracture in a younger person.
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
has an overview of bone fractures that isn’t pretty, but it provides a great introduction including pictures to illustrate the different kinds of fractures.
KidsHealth
is great for kids who’ve broken a bone and are curious or nervous about the healing process. Key words are in bold and phonetically spelled out, and the language is easy to understand and reassuring.
InnerBody.com
has pictures of the 12 different kinds of fractures. Click on each type of fracture to get detailed information about it.
For causes, symptoms and diagnoses …
Merck
has an Online Medical Library that provides a detailed account of fractures. The section on symptoms mentions certain complications fractures can cause that many other sites forgo, such as a potential pulmonary embolism or compartment syndrome. Take a look at the chart in the middle of the page to get a quick overview of what each type of fracture is and how to identify it.
MedicineNet.com
covers other more common types of fractures, and mentions the causes and diagnoses associated with them. Here, you will also learn about stress fractures and shin splints.
The University of Virginia Health System
does a good job covering the causes, symptoms, and diagnoses associated with fractures. The site tells you what type of pain to look out for, and then fleshes out the diagnostic procedures: x-rays, MRIs, and CAT scans.
For treatment and prevention …
The Mayo Clinic
provides a first aid guide to follow in case someone breaks a bone. This very short, bullet-pointed article makes for an easy-to-use reference in an emergency situation.
The International Society for Fracture Repair
is based in London, and works to bring together the best science in the world related to fractures. Because the organization is in touch with cutting-edge developments, this page excels in its description of treatment options, and how to protect against broken bones.
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
directs this page to those over 50 years old, who may be more prone to osteoporosis. There is a wealth of information and advice here, such as how to safely exercise to prevent fractures and how to get bone density checked so you know if you may be at risk.
Burns
The American Burn Association states that about 1.1 billion Americans per year require medical ... read more »
Other Injuries
Unfortunately, the world of injuries is not limited to those found above. This section will show ... read more »
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