Hidden injuries are a scary idea. Walking around with a ticking timebomb that could cause a permanent disability or issue due to no fault of your own is not something anyone should fear. However, after any personal injury accident, like a car accident, slip-and-fall accident, etc., you could have hidden bone fractures.
Wait, how can bone fractures be hidden?
When you think of broken bones, you likely think about the obvious broken bones, like 90-degree breaks, bones poking through the skin, etc. However, hairline fractures and small breaks can occur and go unnoticed. And, adrenaline and shock can mask even more extreme fractures. Indeed, some professional athletes have completed marathons, skiing competitions, etc., without even knowing they had broken bones.
Certainly, if I can move it, it is not broken, right?
Wrong. A broken arm, leg, etc., could simply be swollen. You could move it and feel no pain. Yet, it could still be broken after the Sonoma County car accident.
Wait, it could be broken, and it could feel fine?
Yes. Your only sign that your arm, leg, etc., is broken could be that it is swollen. This could be due to the nature of the fracture itself, or due to your body’s reaction, like your adrenaline, shock, etc.
What if these fractures are left untreated?
According to some studies, people with untreated fractures are much more likely to have widespread pain in their bodies decades later. And, if your bones are left to heal improperly, you may also lose full functionality in those limbs as well.
The takeaway
The primary takeaway from this information is twofold. First, do not rely on common knowledge for medical knowledge. And second, go see a doctor after every car crash. This could be the doctor in the emergency room, your primary care doctor, urgent care, etc. You just need to make sure you do not have any lingering or lasting effects from the Napa County, California, car accident.