Fracture Center - Fall River, MAWebMD Physician DirectoryFall River, MassachusettsUpcoming Local Events2012-05-26
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FractureIntroduction to fractureBones form the skeleton of the body and allow the body to be supported against gravity and to move and function in the world. Bones also protect some body parts, and the bone marrow is the production center for blood products. Bone is not a stagnant organ. It is the body's reservoir of calcium and is always undergoing change under the influence of hormones. Parathyroid hormone increases blood calcium levels by leeching calcium from bone, while calcitonin has the opposite effect, allowing bone to accept calcium from the blood.
What causes a fracture?When outside forces are applied to bone it has the potential to fail. Fractures occur when bone cannot withstand those outside forces. Fracture, break, or crack all mean the same thing. One term is not better or worse than another. The integrity of the bone has been lost and the bone structure fails. Broken bones hurt for a variety of reasons including:
Often a fracture is easy to detect because there is obvious deformity. However, at times it is not easily diagnosed. It is important for the physician to take a history of the injury to decide what potential problems might exist. Moreover, fractures don't always occur in isolation, and there may be associated injuries that need to be addressed. Fractures can occur because of direct blows, twisting injuries, or falls. The type of forces on the bone may determine what type of injury that occurs. Descriptions of fractures can ... Recommended Reading Related to FractureWhat is osteoporosis?Osteoporosis is a condition that is characterized by bones that are less dense than, and thus not as strong as, normal bone. Osteoporosis increases the risk of breaking bone (fracture) with even minor trauma, such as a fall from standing height, or even from a cough or sneeze. Unfortunately, people often do not realize they have osteoporosis until either they have a fracture or have a screening test ordered by their doctor to check for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis and low bone mass affect an estimated 44 million Americans (National Osteoporosis Foundation 2008). Of those, 10 million have osteoporosis, and the remaining 34 million have a lower than normal bone mass and are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men. Other risk factors include older age, family history of osteoporosis, small and thin stature, inactive lifestyle, smoking, alcohol, and use of certain medications in... Other Related Fracture ArticlesEmergency Contact for Fall River
Nearby Fall River Hospitals * Charlton Memorial Hospital  Saint Anne's Hospital  New Bedford Rehabilitation Hospital  St Luke's Hospital  Bradley Hospital  Taunton State Hospital  Morton Hospital & Medical Center  Hasbro Children's Hospital  Rhode Island Hospital  Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island  Newport Hospital  Southern New England Rehabilitation Center  St Joseph Health Services  Butler Hospital  Kent Hospital  Eleanor Slater Hospital Pastore Center  Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island  The Miriam Hospital  Providence VA Medical Center  Roger Williams Medical Center  Sturdy Memorial Hospital  Arbour-Fuller Hospital  Our Lady of Fatima Hospital  Tobey Hospital  Boston VA Healthcare System Brockton  South County Hospital  Rehabilitation Hospital of Rhode Island  Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center  Landmark Medical Center  Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital  Kindred Specialty Hospital Stoughton  Falmouth Hospital  Jordan Hospital  New England Sinai Hospital & Rehabilitation Center  Massachusetts Hospital School  Kindred Specialty Hospital Braintree  Martha's Vineyard Hospital  Pembroke Hospital  Caritas Norwood Hospital  South Shore Hospital  Rehabilitation Hospital of the Cape & Islands Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Fracture by Our Doctors
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Bone Cancer
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Shin Splints
- Shin splints result from inflammation from injury to the tendon and adjacent tissues in the front of the outer leg. Shin splints commonly occur in runners or aggressive walkers, causing pain and discomfort. An increase in workout intensity, weak ankles and pronation may be to blame for shin splints. Stretching, strengthening, and icing the affected area are effective treatments for shin splints. Rest and anti-inflammatory medications are also advised.
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Ankle Pain
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Broken Toe
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Osteoporosis
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Internal Bleeding
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Chest Pain
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Ankylosing Spondylitis
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Coccydynia
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Hypercalcemia (Elevated Calcium Levels)
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Sprains and Strains
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Broken Foot
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