You can fracture any bone in your body, but some bones are easier to break compared to others. Fractures typically result from a fall, a collision, or other trauma caused by physical activity or a motor vehicle accident. Learn more about the bones in the human body that are most commonly fractured and what you can do to treat them if they break.

Clavicle

The clavicle, or collarbone, rests between the upper ribcage and the shoulder blade. As the bone that connects the arm to the body, the clavicle serves an important function but also is easy to break because of its position and slender shape. Fractured clavicles can happen in infants passing through the birth canal; during sports, especially ones that don’t involve padding; and car accidents. Typically, a bump will develop and the arm won’t work properly. A broken clavicle usually is treated with an arm sling.

Arm

When you trip and fall, it’s your first instinct to stretch out your arms to catch yourself. However, when your arm breaks your fall, it sometimes breaks as well. Both adults and children are susceptible to arm fractures, though children typically break their lower arms as opposed to their upper arms. It’s possible to break the upper arm (humerus) or the two bones in your lower arm (radius and ulna). In the case of an arm fracture, it’s important not to move your arm. Keep it stable until you can have it professionally treated to prevent further damage.

Wrist

If your arm doesn’t break when you trip and fall, there’s a good chance that your wristwill break. In addition to falls, physical activities such as biking or skiing can lead to wrist fractures. Your wrist is comprised of eight bones plus two bones in the forearm. People often don’t realize that their wrist is broken when they hurt it, so it’s crucial to seek medical attention if you experience significant pain the wrist area.

Hip

A fractured hip drastically inhibits a person’s mobility. This type of fracture occurs in the femur, which becomes weaker with age and therefore more vulnerable to fractures. The hip is the most frequently broken bone for people over the age of 65 and typically occurs because of falls and conditions such as arthritis and vision impairment. When someone breaks their hip, they’ll experience immobility and severe pain.

Treatment for a hip fracture typically involves surgery and requires the use of screws or even a hip replacement. Recovery from a hip fracture is lengthy and requires extensive rehabilitation. These are the most commonly fractured bones in the body. If you’re experiencing pain in one of these areas, it’s important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible.

For more information about fracture care, click here to download our free eBook,Understanding Fracture Care: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment.