During a car accident, the body is subjected to a tremendous amount of force. In the blink of an eye, your bones and internal organs suffer strain and damage.
A strong enough impact can cause bones to crack or bruise. Sometimes these cracks are small. This type of bodily injury is known as a hairline fracture or stress fracture.
After the adrenaline and endorphins have left your system, you may notice some pain or other symptoms. Here is how to know if you have suffered a hairline fracture after a car accident and some of the treatment options available.
However, it is important to go to the doctor as soon as possible after a crash to get checked out. If you turn out to be hurt and you have to file a personal injury claim later, this shows the insurance company that you took the wreck seriously from the start.
Common Hairline Fracture Symptoms
The most obvious sign you may have a stress fracture is pain. The pain can grow worse over time, especially if you try to resume normal or strenuous activities. It may fade or lessen during rest. Other symptoms may include:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Tenderness
People who are most at-risk to develop hairline fractures include athletes and women (especially those who have absent periods). Weakened bones caused by osteoporosis or medication that reduces bone density, experiencing a previous hairline fracture, and lack of vitamin D or calcium can increase a person’s risk of suffering from this type of injury.
Certain locations may give off different kinds of pain signals. Although fractures can affect any bone in the body, the most common types of hairline fractures we see after a car accident are to the ribs, forearms, wrists, hips, shins, and feet.
Can a Hairline Fracture Heal on Its Own?
Depending on the severity, it is possible for a stress fracture to heal on its own provided certain precautions are taken. The examination and diagnosis however, should be left up to your doctor as this is a serious injury. Ignoring the pain or providing improper treatment could result in the bone breaking or healing improperly causing chronic pain!
Home remedies for hairline fractures usually follow the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin can help reduce pain and swelling.
Talk to your doctor if you think you have suffered a hairline fracture after a car accident. Treatment often depends on the location and severity of the fracture. They may recommend using crutches, a protective boot, or a cast to keep the injury from becoming aggravated.
In severe cases, a hairline fracture may require surgery. Pins and/or screws are used to hold the bones together and support them during the healing process.
It takes about six to eight weeks for a stress fracture to heal. Refrain from any strenuous or high impact activity during this time.
Do Hairline Fractures Show Up on an X-ray?
Not at first. But over time the injury may become visible. Usually after a few weeks have gone by, a callus has formed around the injured area. This callus is visible on an X-ray.
The best way to spot a hairline fracture is to have an MRI done. The magnets and radio waves in the machine can create much more detailed images of your bones. An MRI can reveal a fracture before an X-ray can and give a doctor a clearer understanding of what type of fracture has occurred.
How We Can Help Pay for Medical Treatment
Having worked in Atlanta as a personal injury lawyer for more than 25 years, we have seen all types of unfortunate injuries resulting from wrecks. Our team is experienced, compassionate, and knows how to get results for our clients.
Part of how we help our clients at Gary Martin Hays & Associates to make sure the insurance company is providing you with the benefits you are entitled to. If you don’t have health insurance, we can get doctors to provide treatment now and take payment from the injury settlement later.
You may have other injuries besides a hairline fracture, such as broken bones, a concussion, or soft tissue damage. Going to the doctor, getting treatment, recovering from surgery, all of this is expensive and time-consuming.
You shouldn’t have to pay out-of-pocket to take care of an injury that wasn’t your fault. Contact us today for free consultation regarding your car accident claim.
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