Can I Fracture A Bone and Not Know It?
Jun 01, 2025
When most of us think about breaking a bone, we think about intense pain, significant swelling, and an immediate loss of mobility. But fractures don’t always involve such dramatic symptoms, and that means it’s entirely possible to have a fracture and not even realize it — at least initially.
At Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy, our seasoned team uses advanced diagnostic methods and hands-on evaluations to assess potential bone fractures for prompt care. Read on to learn more about identifying fractures — so you can relieve your discomfort and prevent potential complications.
If you’re a fan of adventure movies, there’s a fairly good chance you’ve seen at least one dramatized bone fracture. Typically, there’s a loud “crack” followed by an actor grabbing their limb and screaming in pain.
While some severe fractures absolutely can cause those effects, other fractures cause far subtler symptoms that can be much harder to spot — especially if they’re not associated with a fall, car accident, or other traumatic injury.
For instance, stress fractures are small cracks that develop in bones as a result of excessive strain or overuse. Stress fractures are relatively common among athletes, and they can also occur as a result of osteoporosis, especially in the spine where they’re associated with persistent back pain.
Fractures near joints may also be overlooked, attributed to other causes, like sprains or pulled muscles. The complexity of joints can also lead to delayed diagnosis.
Finally, some fractures are difficult to identify with X-rays simply because of their location. For example, one study found fractures of the fingers, ribs, and elbows were among the most missed by radiologists, accounting for about two in five (40%) of missed fractures overall.
While severe fractures cause significant pain, swelling, bruising, and sometimes disfigurement of a bone, many “milder” fractures are associated with dull aching and mild bruising or swelling — or none at all. As a result, they’re often misdiagnosed as muscle strains or similar issues, and care is delayed as a result.
The key to getting appropriate treatment? Look for these symptoms:
You may also notice cracking, popping, or grinding sensations when moving the injured area.
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an office visit so we can perform an evaluation, determine what’s causing your symptoms, and prescribe appropriate care. That’s even more important if you’re at risk of developing stress fractures — for instance, you take part in repetitive activities, like weight lifting, running, or sports, or you have osteoporosis.
Individualized fracture care is just one way we help our patients stay healthy throughout their lives. To find out what’s causing your uncomfortable symptoms or to schedule a general wellness exam, request an appointment online or over the phone with Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy in Kihei, Kahului, and Lahaina, Hawaii, today.