4. Swelling
Swelling or abnormal enlargement of the injured area is your body’s response to an injury. As soon as a break happens, your body sends fluid and white blood cells to the area affected to protect and to heal. Swelling impedes movement. Can’t put weight on your ankle? Your body is trying to stop you from using it so you can’t damage it any further.
Resting the break is an important part of the healing process. If possible, elevate the affected body part. Apply ice to ease the pain and reduce the swelling. Elastic bandages compress the injury and help with stability, but it’s vital to avoid putting weight on the break until the swelling subsides enough to be cast.
Spiral fractures can occur anywhere in the body at any time away or at home. It’s a good idea to keep first aid kits with an ice pack at home and in the car so that ice and compression can be started as soon as possible after an injury.