When a person fractures a bone, it is usually obvious. A snap or cracking sound may be evident, followed by pain, tenderness and swelling. In some cases, a limb may be deformed, or the bone may penetrate the skin.

When a bone fractures, emergency care should be summoned if the injury is serious. This includes situations in which the patient is seriously injured in the head, neck or back, or if the broken bone lacerates the skin. Other symptoms that indicate a need for emergency medical care include:

• Person is unresponsive. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be performed if the person is not breathing or has no heartbeat.
  
• Heavy bleeding.
  
• Pain with even gentle movement or pressure.
  
• Limb or joint appears deformed.
  
• Toe or finger of an injured limb is numb or bluish at the tip.

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in a bone that usually result from overuse or repetitive application of force (such as the pavement against a foot bone during jogging). Stress fractures may be barely noticeable when they first occur, but may get worse over time. A femoral stress fracture in the thigh is a common condition in runners. Symptoms associated with stress fractures include: 

• Dull ache after physical activity
  
• Swelling
  
• Pain that decreases with rest and increases with activity
  
• Pain that appears earlier in each successive workout
  
• Pain that gets progressively worse over time
  
• Tenderness or pain in certain areas when pressure is applied

In contrast, the first sign of a spinal compression fracture is a decrease in the person’s height. Pain is often a late symptom that may go unnoticed in the beginning, although in some cases excruciating pain is felt early. Osteoporosis is a common predisposing factor for compression fractures.