What symptom is a clear indication of a potential bone injury?

Ecchymosis around the area of injury is a clear indication of a potential bone injury because it suggests that there has been bleeding under the skin due to trauma. This discoloration occurs when blood vessels are damaged, which can happen with fractures or significant bruising associated with bone injuries. The presence of ecchymosis often points to underlying soft tissue damage or inflammation, which frequently accompanies bone injuries.

In contrast, chronic pain usually indicates an ongoing issue or a repetitive strain injury rather than an acute bone injury. Numbness can be related to nerve involvement or compression but does not directly indicate a bone injury. Abnormal heart rate is not a specific indicator of bone injuries and might reflect other systemic reactions, such as pain or stress, rather than a direct connection to the bone itself.