One may ask, "Can one have a serious fracture from spraining an ankle?

" This gentleman was walking and slipped on the ice, spraining his ankle. He came in for treatment 4 hours later. As in the photograph above, there is minimal swelling and minimal bruising. In looking at the x-ray, one can see that his distal fibula is fractured.

48 year old male who fell 6 days prior to being seen in a medical clinic. Severe bruising is noticed on both sides of the left upper arm and shoulder. He could not raise his arm however had good function of his hand. X-ray reveals a fractured "humerus" the long bone of the upper arm near the shoulder.

This gentleman was riding a four-wheeler through a trail when catching his left thumb on a branch. He sustained a fracture and abrasions to his left thumb. This is a common fracture also when skiing. As in the picture you can see how swollen his left thumb is. He had decreased mobility and was in extreme pain.

This elderly lady fell and factured her wrist. This is a fracture of the distal radias and is displaced at approximately 40. You can see a deformity of her wrist which is a clear indication of a fracture.

Fracture of the fifth metatarsal which is the long bone behind the little toe. This bone can be broke in a couple of ways, either by a direct blow from something falling on it, or by twisting your ankle. When once suspects a possible fracture, it is important to splint the extremity, ice if possible, and transport.

Fracture of the fifth metacarapal of the right hand. This is the bone directly behind the middle finger. It is most frequently fractured when punching an object. However it can be broke by falling or by a direct blow. Splinting is the first priority. Ice and elevation and transport to the nearest health care facility.