Broken bones and fractures are among the most common injuries seen in urgent care and emergency settings. Whether from a fall, sports injury, car accident, or everyday mishap, these injuries can happen to anyone—kids, teens, adults, and seniors alike. Fortunately, many minor to moderate fractures can be expertly treated at your local urgent care center without the long wait or high costs of the emergency room.
At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, we’re proud to serve the communities of Coppell, Lewisville, Valley Ranch, Irving, Flower Mound, Las Colinas, Carrollton, and Grapevine with fast, affordable care for broken bones and other urgent orthopedic injuries. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essentials of fractures—what they are, how to identify them, and when to visit urgent care for treatment.
What Is the Difference Between a Fracture and a Broken Bone?
In simple terms, there is no difference—a fracture is a broken bone. The medical term “fracture” refers to any loss of bone integrity, whether it’s a tiny hairline crack or a complete break into multiple pieces.
That said, there are different types of fractures, and understanding them can help you make sense of your diagnosis.
Types of Fractures
- Simple (Closed) Fracture:
A break in the bone that does not pierce the skin. These are the most common types treated at urgent care. - Compound (Open) Fracture:
The bone breaks through the skin, creating a higher risk of infection and requiring emergency care. - Hairline (Stress) Fracture:
A tiny crack in the bone, often caused by repetitive stress or overuse—commonly seen in athletes. - Greenstick Fracture:
A partial break in a bone, often seen in children whose bones are softer and more flexible. - Comminuted Fracture:
The bone is broken into three or more pieces, usually from high-impact trauma like a car accident. - Transverse or Oblique Fracture:
These describe the angle at which the bone breaks—either straight across or at a diagonal. - Displaced Fracture:
The bone pieces are misaligned, often requiring reduction (repositioning) by a medical professional.
Understanding the type of fracture helps determine the appropriate treatment, whether it’s a splint, cast, or surgery.
Common Causes of Broken Bones
Fractures can happen to anyone at any time, but some of the most frequent causes include:
- Slips and falls (especially on hard surfaces or from heights)
- Sports injuries (such as football, soccer, skateboarding, or gymnastics)
- Car accidents
- Bicycle or scooter crashes
- Heavy object impacts
- Osteoporosis, which weakens bones and makes them more likely to break
- Repetitive stress, especially in runners or laborers
Whether it’s your child breaking a wrist on the playground or you twisting your ankle stepping off a curb, it’s essential to act quickly to prevent further damage.
Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Bone
Not all fractures are obvious, but the most common symptoms include:
- Sudden, intense pain at the injury site
- Swelling and bruising
- Difficulty moving the affected area
- Tenderness or warmth to the touch
- Visible deformity (the limb may look crooked or out of place)
- Crepitus (a grinding or popping sound when moved)
- Inability to bear weight (especially in leg or foot fractures)
In children, symptoms may also include unexplained crying, refusal to walk, or holding a limb in a strange position.
If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms after an injury, it’s time to seek medical evaluation.
Why Prompt Treatment Matters
Ignoring or delaying treatment for a broken bone can lead to complications, such as:
- Misaligned healing (malunion)
- Delayed union (slow healing)
- Nonunion (failure to heal)
- Chronic pain or stiffness
- Loss of function or strength
- Infection (especially with compound fractures)
Prompt treatment ensures bones heal correctly and reduces the risk of long-term issues.
Can Urgent Care Treat Broken Bones?
Yes—AFC Urgent Care Coppell can treat many types of fractures right on site.
Our medical team can:
- Perform on-site digital X-rays to confirm a fracture
- Splint the injury to stabilize the bone and reduce pain
- Provide pain relief
- Refer you to an orthopedic specialist or emergency room when necessary
We treat simple fractures, stress fractures, minor displaced fractures, and sprains/strains regularly. We’ll also give you detailed follow-up instructions and referrals for orthopedic care or physical therapy if needed.
When to Visit Urgent Care vs. the Emergency Room
Knowing the right place to go can save you time, money, and stress. Here’s a guide:
Visit AFC Urgent Care Coppell if:
- You suspect a simple fracture (no bone sticking out of the skin)
- There is moderate pain and swelling but no life-threatening symptoms
- You need a fast diagnosis and splinting
- You’re unable to get a same-day primary care appointment
- You want to avoid the high cost of the ER
Go to the Emergency Room if:
- There is a compound/open fracture (bone exposed)
- The limb looks severely deformed or misaligned
- You suspect head, neck, or spinal trauma
- There is heavy bleeding
- The person is unconscious or in severe shock
- There are multiple injuries from a high-impact accident
Urgent care is ideal for non-life-threatening injuries. If you’re unsure, come to AFC Coppell—we’ll assess and refer you to the ER if necessary.
What to Expect During Your Visit at AFC Urgent Care Coppell
When you arrive with a suspected fracture, here’s how we take care of you:
- Check-In (walk-ins welcome, or you can call ahead)
- Medical evaluation and physical exam
- On-site digital X-ray
- Diagnosis and treatment plan
- Splinting or stabilization of the injury
- Referral to a specialist, if needed
Our compassionate team ensures you’re comfortable and informed every step of the way.
Pediatric Fractures: Caring for Kids’ Broken Bones
Children’s bones are more flexible, so their fractures tend to be greenstick or buckle fractures, which are typically less severe. That said, prompt care is still essential.
At AFC Coppell, we treat kids with:
- Playground injuries
- Sports-related fractures
- Growth plate injuries (which need special attention)
- Accidental falls
We use child-friendly techniques to keep them calm and ensure accurate treatment.
Sports Injuries and Stress Fractures
Active patients—especially runners, soccer players, dancers, and gym-goers—may develop stress fractures over time. These tiny cracks often develop in the:
- Shins (tibia)
- Feet (metatarsals)
- Hips
Symptoms include gradual pain, especially with activity. Without rest and treatment, stress fractures can worsen. AFC Urgent Care Coppell can diagnose and treat these injuries, helping you avoid long-term setbacks.
Fracture Treatment Tips: What You Can Do at Home
While waiting to be seen, follow these steps:
- Rest and immobilize the area (don’t try to realign the bone yourself)
- Apply ice to reduce swelling (15-20 minutes at a time)
- Elevate the limb, if possible
- Avoid putting weight on the injury
- Take OTC pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
Then, head to our clinic for a professional assessment.
Why Choose AFC Urgent Care Coppell?
We proudly serve Coppell and surrounding areas like Lewisville, Flower Mound, Valley Ranch, Irving, Las Colinas, Carrollton, and Grapevine. Here's why we’re your go-to urgent care center for broken bones and other injuries:
- On-site digital X-rays
- No appointment necessary
- Shorter wait times than the ER
- Experienced providers trained in orthopedic care
- Most insurance plans accepted
- Open 7 days a week, including evenings
We’re committed to keeping your family safe, active, and pain-free—without the long delays or high bills of an emergency room visit.
Quick Action Means Better Healing
Broken bones happen—but with fast, expert care, you can recover fully and avoid complications. Whether it’s a sports injury, playground accident, or simple fall, AFC Urgent Care Coppell is here to help.
If you or a loved one suffers a suspected fracture, don’t wait. Walk into our Coppell clinic or call ahead. We’ll evaluate your injury, provide immediate treatment, and guide you through the next steps of healing.
Walk in today to AFC Urgent Care Coppell—no appointment needed. We’re ready when you need us.
📍 Serving Coppell, Lewisville,Flower Mound, Valley Ranch, Las Colinas, Irving, Carrollton, and Grapevine.
