Simple Fracture: Symptoms, Signs & What to Do

Signs and symptoms of a simple fracture may include:

- Pain at or near the site of the fracture

- Swelling and inflammation around the fracture site

- Bruising around the fracture site

- Difficulty or inability to move the affected limb or joint

- Bone deformity or angulation

- Tenderness and/or warmth over the site of the fracture

- Crepitus: a sensation of grinding or crackling when the bone ends move against each other

- Ecchymosis (discoloration) of overlying skin

- Skin overlying the fracture may appear pale and cool

- Loss of sensation or tingling/numbness in the affected area (in cases where the fracture affects nerves)

- Inability to bear weight on the affected limb or joint (in weight-bearing bones)

- Limited or absent pulses distal to the fracture (for long bone fractures)