Fractures are either cracks in the bone or an actual break. These can be open or closed. In an open fracture, the bone breaks the skin; in a closed fracture, it happens under the skin.

Fractures are usually accompanied by bruising and swelling around the injured area, because the blood vessels are damaged there

They are also painful because of the damaged nerves inside the bone.

A stress fracture is a crack along the length of the bone, which is caused by continuous stress over a long period of time.