Road accidents, falls and sports can injure bones, joints, ligaments and muscles.
Common symptoms
- Pain, swelling and bruising
- Difficulty moving a joint
- Weakness or a feeling of instability
When to see a doctor
- Always promptly after a serious accident
- Immediately at an emergency department after a head injury, fainting or heavy bleeding
- If pain or swelling doesn't settle within a few days
How it is evaluated
- The type of injury and a physical examination
- X-ray or other imaging when needed
- A plan for treatment and rehabilitation
Emergency: after a serious accident, a suspected fracture with deformity, heavy bleeding, numbness or loss of movement, go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately.