Your bones protect your heart, lungs and brain. Bones are tough, but even the strongest can break. Here's what you need to know about fractures and how to prevent them.

Signs a bone may be broken

Some fractures are obvious. But the signs of a stress fracture or cracked bone can be more subtle.

Don't ignore these signs:

• Swelling or tenderness.

• Bruising or discoloration.

• A limb that looks out of place.

Types of fractures There are different types of bone fractures, including:

• Stable fracture. The broken pieces line up cleanly.

• Open fracture. Bone broke the skin when it was fractured.

• Transverse fracture. The fracture forms a horizontal line.

• Oblique fracture. The break is angled.

• Comminuted fracture. The bone broke into more than two pieces.

When to seek care If you fall or have another injury that causes pain, seek medical attention immediately. But even if you don't remember hurting yourself, see the doctor if you have swelling, tenderness or something that doesn't look right. It could be a fracture. After you've been treated, remember that fractures take time to heal fully. It will stop hurting before it's strong enough to support your normal activities. If you've been given a cast or splint, keep using it until your provider says you're healed. If you do have a cast, call your provider if you notice any cracks or soft spots.

Be proactive Talk to your provider now about what you can do to keep your bones strong and healthy. It's not just accidents or falls that lead to fractures. Here are some things that put you more at risk for a broken bone:

• Osteoporosis. This disease weakens bones. Women age 65 and older should schedule a bone density test to check for signs of osteoporosis.

• Family history. If your relatives have had fractures, you may be more at risk.

• Muscle loss. Strong muscles keep you balanced, prevent falls and lower the risk of fractures.

• Overuse. Repetitive motion can cause stress fractures.

How to prevent fractures There's a lot you can do to make broken bones less likely. Here are some prevention strategies:

• Get enough calcium and Vitamin D.

• Exercise regularly. Weight-bearing activities are especially helpful.

• Maintain a healthy weight. If you don't weigh enough, it increases your risk of bone loss.

• Don't smoke. Smoking can shrink your bone mass.

• Remove tripping hazards at home. Cords, rugs and clutter can all cause falls.

Watson Clinic specialists can help you achieve strong, healthy bones for life. Consult your Family Medicine or Internal Medicine provider for tips on maintaining balance and strength. Our Rheumatology department treats a wide array of complex inflammatory conditions including osteoporosis and arthritis. Finally, our Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine departments can help you recover from injury through minimally invasive surgical and nonsurgical means.

Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases