How to Prevent a Broken Arm
Having a broken arm can be very scary. But, there are things you can do to prevent it and make sure that you recover quickly. This article will tell you all you need to know about the condition, including how to prevent it, what to do if you get one, and how to recover.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a broken arm include pain, swelling, and bruises. If the pain and swelling are not relieved by ice, call a doctor immediately.
Symptoms of a broken arm may include a loss of sensation in the affected arm, numbness, and weakness. The condition may also result in an infection of the skin and bone. If the fracture is complex, the affected bone may need surgery.
Typically, a broken arm is caused by a fall. It is also possible for the bone to break while performing a sport or while doing an activity that involves contact.
The arm is made up of three bones – the ulna, humerus, and radius. These bones are connected by ligaments and tendons. The ulna is a bone that extends from the little finger side of the wrist to the tip of the elbow. The humerus is a long bone that connects with the radius and ulna at the elbow joint.
Symptoms of a broken forearm include intense pain, swelling, and numbness. Broken bones may also puncture the skin. A broken forearm bone can be treated by placing a cast on the arm.
Symptoms of a broken wrist include pain, swelling, and bruising. A broken wrist is usually caused by a fall. The injury may affect the surrounding nerves, blood vessels, and other internal structures.
Symptoms of a broken shoulder include loss of sensation, numbness, and weakness. A broken shoulder may also result in an infection of the skin, bone, and nerves.
A broken arm may be caused by a car accident, a fall, or a sports injury. Most injuries to the arms occur during falls. The risk of falling from heights increases in people who are older.
The most common symptoms of a broken arm are intense pain, swelling, and bruising. In order to minimize the pain, apply ice to the area 4-5 times per day. Alternatively, you may place a towel under the arm.
X-rays are used to identify broken bones. The doctor may also perform additional tests to rule out other conditions. A CT scan may also be performed for further evaluation.
Causes
Having a broken arm can be a devastating experience. It can lead to a number of problems, including disfigurement and infection. It is a common injury among adults and children.
If you think that you might have a broken arm, seek medical attention immediately. The sooner you get help, the sooner you will be able to avoid a lifetime of pain. The pain associated with a broken arm can be severe and can interfere with everyday activities. It can have a serious emotional and financial impact.
A broken arm can be caused by falls, tripping, and car accidents. X-rays are often taken to determine the severity of the break.
A broken arm may also be caused by trauma. You may not realize that you have broken your arm until it is too late. The sharp end of the broken bone can cut surrounding nerves and blood vessels. You may also feel numbness in the area below the fractured area.
In most cases, a broken arm heals without much difficulty. However, some fractures require surgery to realign the bones. A splint is placed on the arm to hold it in place. It can be made from rolled-up newspaper, strips of wood, or a sterile dressing.
If your arm is broken, avoid strenuous activities. You may need to take pain medication and physical therapy to restore your range of motion. You may also need to wear a cast for a few weeks.
You should also avoid putting your cast in water. Getting wet can cause infection. You should also avoid scratching the area underneath the cast.
You should also avoid performing strenuous activities during recovery. Some fractures may take longer to heal than others. Depending on the severity of the fracture, you may need to wear a cast for weeks.
You should also avoid playing sports that could result in a broken arm. Athletes are more likely to develop stress fractures, which may not heal properly.
Your doctor can evaluate your injury and help you determine the best treatment plan. Some arm fractures require surgery to realign the bones.
Treatment
Depending on the severity of the break, there are several broken arm treatment options. Simple breaks may be immobilized with a cast, splint, or brace. Complex breaks may require surgery or implants.
In most cases, broken arms heal quickly. If you are experiencing pain, consult a doctor immediately. Your arm may be infected if left untreated. You may also need antibiotics if the fracture broke through the skin.
Depending on the severity of the break, your doctor may also need to perform a physical exam. He or she may need to move the bones to restore alignment. In more complicated breaks, your doctor may need to nail or wire the bone in place.
Your doctor may also use a sling to immobilize the arm. This can help prevent swelling and keep the arm stable until you are admitted to a hospital. Your doctor may also need to apply bandaging to control bleeding.
A broken arm treatment might also require a few exercises to increase your range of motion. These exercises may be performed at home, by a physical therapist, or in a hospital. The exercises will help restore the strength and flexibility of your muscles.
If your broken arm has become infected, you may need antibiotics. Your doctor may also prescribe narcotics or a prescription splint. You may also need to avoid certain activities such as weightlifting.
Using an X-ray is a good way to determine the location and severity of the break. X-rays are also useful to determine if the bone is broken cleanly or if it is broken into pieces.
In addition to using an X-ray, a doctor may also need to perform a physical examination to determine the extent of the damage. This may include finding the cause of the break, detecting heat, detecting displaced bones, and measuring the range of motion of the arm.
Symptoms of a broken arm may include swelling, bruising, numbness, a decreased range of motion, and a feeling that the arm is missing a sensation. The most effective broken arm treatment is to seek medical advice immediately.
Recovery
Depending on the severity and location of the break, recovery from a broken arm can take months or years. It can be extremely frustrating to the victim and their family.
Most broken arms are treated in the emergency room or in a hospital. For more severe breaks, surgery may be needed. Some fractures require a splint or cast to keep the arm in the proper position. Usually, people can return to work in a few weeks.
If a fracture is causing pain, your doctor may prescribe medicines. X-rays can help determine the extent of the break. The doctor can also perform physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles used in daily tasks. Some fractures can lead to nerve damage and loss of sensation.
If the break is open, your doctor may need to use antibiotics to treat the wound. An open fracture may also have a wound near the wound. You may also need surgery to put the bone back into place.
If the break is not serious, you may be able to heal the break with ice therapy. Apply ice to the affected area for 20-30 minutes at a time. This will reduce swelling and pain.
The doctor may also recommend physical therapy, which can help your arm get back to its normal condition. You may do exercises that include bending and straightening your arm under resistance. External rotation exercises can also help your shoulder joint recover.
You can also take calcium supplements to help reduce your risk of fractures. You may also need to avoid lifting heavy objects early in the healing process. You may also need to wear a sling.
You can also try to do light housework to help your wrist get moving. This can help decrease the swelling and make the recovery process faster.
You may also need to take medications to reduce the pain and inflammation. You can also see an orthopedic doctor for a follow-up visit.
The recovery from a broken arm can be frustrating and costly. In addition to the expense, you may have difficulty returning to work.
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Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
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