How can you know you have a broken bone?

X=rays, mri: Pinpoint tenderness, focal pain with torque on the bone, local swelling are clues, but x-rays, mri, bone scan, ct scan are most accurate.

X-ray: Best method of diagnosis is x-ray. Occasionally, when a fracture is suspected, but x-ray is not diagnostic, other studies may be recommended. This may include MRI or bone scan.

Pain swelling: A broken bone will be painful and the area of the break will swell. If it is in the legs then you will have difficulty walking. If it is in the upper extremities then you would have difficulty using the affected extremity.

X-ray: The best way would be to have an x-ray but pain and deformity would be a good indicator.

Pain and X-Ray.: Under normal circumstances, one would expect to have some pain, swelling, bruising or any combination of these symptoms. There are conditions that the pain may not be noticed. The only sure way to remove all doubt is to have the area x-rayed.