What should you avoid doing when treating a fracture?

When treating a fracture, realigning the bone if it is displaced is something that should generally be avoided. This is because improper realignment can lead to further injury, complications, and additional pain for the patient. Fractures need to be stabilized rather than manipulated, as the risk of damaging surrounding tissues, vessels, and nerves increases during improper alignment attempts.

Immediate priorities in fracture care include minimizing movement of the injured limb to prevent further damage, immobilizing the injured area to reduce motion and pain, and applying ice to the surrounding area to minimize swelling. These actions help to preserve the integrity of the fracture site and promote better long-term healing.