Photos show one of the most painful injuries – an open ankle fracture. It’s unclear how exactly the man sustained this injury.
People who’ve experienced a similar fracture describe the pain as absolutely paralyzing. That’s because it hurts in several different ways at once. There’s the sharp, stabbing pain from the broken bone, accompanied by the cutting pain of torn skin and muscles. On top of that comes the burning sensation from irritated nerves, and a throbbing, swelling pain as the area around the injury inflames.
An open fracture is always far more dangerous than a closed one, mainly due to the high risk of infection. Treatment involves thorough sterilization, stabilizing the injury, surgically closing the wound – and then, plenty of time to heal.
When it comes to first aid, the most important thing is to stay calm. The sight of an exposed bone can be mentally overwhelming – not just for the injured person, but also for bystanders. The first step is to call emergency services and stop the bleeding. Ideally, cover the wound with a sterile cloth – but never apply direct pressure on the exposed bone. Do not move the injured leg or try to push the bone back into place.
And if the injured person is in a cold environment, it’s essential to keep them warm. The body loses heat very quickly when in shock, which can lead to hypothermia.
