What is a common sign of a fracture?

A common sign of a fracture is swelling and bruising. When a bone is fractured, the body's response often includes inflammation in the surrounding tissues. This inflammation leads to the accumulation of fluid, which causes swelling around the injured area. Additionally, the impact or injury that causes the fracture can result in damage to blood vessels, leading to bruising as blood leaks into the soft tissues. Together, these signs are significant indicators of a fracture and help in assessing the extent of the injury.

While complete immobility can sometimes occur, it is not a universal sign of all fractures, as some fractures may allow for limited movement. An increased heart rate can result from pain or stress but is not specific to fractures. A severe headache is unrelated to fractures and typically indicates a different type of medical issue, such as a concussion or other cranial injury. Thus, swelling and bruising are the most direct and telling signs of a fracture.