A fall can happen before you have time to protect yourself. You land on your hand, get up, and notice that your arm hurts more than expected. In other cases, the injury comes from a sports accident, a road crash, or a hard blow. A broken arm may affect the upper arm, forearm, wrist, or the area around the elbow. Pain, swelling, bruising, and trouble using the arm often follow. If the pain does not settle or the arm looks different, it is worth getting it checked rather than waiting.
Broken Arm: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment – What Happens After an Arm Injury?
Right after an injury, swelling can make it hard to judge how serious the problem is. Some people assume that if they can move their arm, it cannot be broken. That is not always the case. Movement may still be possible with some fractures.
Doctors describe fractures in several ways:
- A closed fracture breaks the bone without breaking the skin.
- An open fracture is linked with an open wound.
- A displaced fracture leaves the broken pieces out of their usual position.
- A non-displaced fracture means that the pieces are mostly in line.
- A comminuted fracture breaks the bone into several pieces.
- A stress fracture is a small crack that can develop after repeated strain.
Knowing the type and location of the break helps the doctor work out what support the arm needs.
What Usually Causes a Broken Arm?
Falls cause many arm fractures. When you fall forward, your natural reaction is to put out your hand. The force from the fall can travel from the hand through the wrist and forearm.
A broken arm may also happen because of:
- A road accident
- A bicycle fall
- Football or another contact sport
- A fall from stairs
- A hard hit to the arm
- A workplace accident
- A heavy object landing on the arm
- A fall in someone with weaker bones
A hard fall does not always hurt just one area. Shoulder pain may occur with an upper-arm injury, while a sports fall can also hurt the knee, foot, or ankle.
Common Signs of a Fractured Arm
The first thing most people notice is pain. Swelling may follow soon afterwards, and bruising can appear over the next few hours.
Signs of a fractured arm can include:
- Pain that started after a fall or impact
- Swelling around the injured area
- Bruising
- Pain when the arm is touched
- Trouble bending the elbow
- Pain while turning the forearm
- Difficulty using the hand
- A change in the shape of the arm
- Tingling or numb fingers
- A cut or wound over the injured area
An arm that looks bent should not be pushed back into position at home. If a wound is deep, bone can be seen, or the hand becomes cold, pale, blue, or numb, medical care should not be delayed.
How Is an Arm Fracture Checked?
The doctor will usually ask what happened and where the pain started. The injured area is examined for swelling, bruising, wounds, tenderness and changes of shape.
The fingers can be tested for movement and sensation. This tells the doctor whether the injury could have affected a nerve or blood flow to the hand.
An X-ray can show where the bone has broken and whether the pieces have moved. If the injury reaches the wrist or fingers, the hand may need a closer examination as well.
Broken Arm Treatment: Sling, Brace, Cast or Surgery?
Treatment is chosen around the actual break rather than using the same method for every patient.
Broken Arm Sling
A broken arm sling supports the weight of the arm and limits unnecessary movement. A doctor may use a sling on its own for certain injuries or together with another form of support.
Do not assume that a sling is enough simply because it makes the arm feel better. The bone still needs to be checked.
Arm Brace for Broken Arm
An arm brace for broken arm care can hold the injured area while allowing a certain amount of movement when appropriate. The type of brace and the length of time it is worn depend on the fracture.
Cast or Splint
A cast or splint keeps the broken area still while the bone joins. If swelling is expected after a fresh injury, a splint may sometimes be used before a full cast.
Surgery
If the broken pieces have moved far apart, the bone has broken into several pieces, or there is an open wound, surgery may be needed. Plates, screws, rods or wires may be used to hold the bone together.
In cases where a fracture fails to join after enough time, Nonunion Surgery in Dubai may be discussed after an orthopedic examination.
Broken Arm Recovery Tips for Everyday Life
Recovery is not just about waiting for the pain to disappear. The bone needs enough time to become strong again.
Keep these broken arm recovery tips in mind:
- Wear the sling, cast, or brace for the time advised.
- Keep the cast dry.
- Avoid carrying heavy bags with the injured arm.
- Do not return to the gym too soon.
- Attend follow-up visits.
- Move your fingers when your doctor says it is safe.
- Do not remove a brace simply because the pain feels better.
- Return to sport only after your doctor gives you the go-ahead.
The arm can feel stiff after several weeks in a cast or broken-arm sling. When the fracture has healed sufficiently to allow movement, exercises or physiotherapy may be advised.
When Should You See an Orthopedic Doctor?
If you fall or have an accident and experience pain, swelling, or trouble moving your arm, have it checked out. Do not wait if the arm looks bent, there is an open wound, or feeling in the hand changes.
Dr. Farivar Bagheri treats fractures along with other orthopedic problems in Dubai. Depending on where an injury has occurred, related care can include Hand, Shoulder Treatment in Dubai, Knee Treatment, Foot and Ankle Treatment in Dubai, Hip Surgery in Dubai, or Spine & Back Pain Treatment in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a broken arm still able to move?
Yes. Some fractures still have movement so movement alone does not mean a bone is not broken.
2. How long does a broken arm take to heal?
It varies. The bone involved, type of break, age, and treatment can all affect healing time.
3. Do I need a broken arm sling?
Some fractures need a sling, while others need a splint, cast, brace, or surgery. Your doctor will decide after examining the injury.
4. Can an arm brace help a fractured arm?
An arm brace for broken arm care may help with certain fractures, but it should be selected after medical advice.
5. When might surgery be needed?
Surgery may be needed when a fracture is badly displaced, unstable, open, or broken into several pieces.