You likely have a broken arm if you hear a snap or cracking sound. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Other signs of a break are severe pain that may increase if you move it, swelling, bruising, deformity of the arm, or trouble turning it palm up to palm down. Call emergency services or get to the hospital as soon as possible if you notice the following: The person is unresponsive, isn’t breathing or isn’t moving; there is heavy bleeding; even gentle pressure or movement causes pain; the extremity of the injured arm, such as a finger, is numb or bluish at the tip; you suspect a bone is broken in the neck, head or back; if the bone breaks the surface of the skin; or if the arm is deformed. If you are unable to reach emergency services, review the following wikiHow article: How to Provide First Aid for a Broken Bone.
Make sure to call emergency services or get to the hospital if any bleeding is present.
Trying to realign the bone can cause further injury and pain and will likely lead to an infection.
You can use a variety of items to make a splint including rolled up newspaper or towels. Either tape or wrap a sling around your arm to hold the splints in place. Padding on the splints may help relieve discomfort.
Don’t apply the ice or pack directly to the skin, which can cause frostbite. Wrapping it in some kind of cloth or towel can help prevent frostbite. Leave the ice for 20 minutes at time until you can get to a hospital or doctor.
Your doctor will likely ask you a series of questions while examining the broken arm including about your symptoms, their severity, and anything that makes your pain worse. Your doctor or the hospital may order X-rays or an MRI to further help determine the best treatment.
Your doctor may give you a muscle relaxant or a sedative while he sets your bone. Your doctor may apply a cast, a brace, splint, or sling to wear while your arm heals.
Use ice as often as necessary for 20 minutes at a time. Wrap the ice pack in a towel to protect your cast from moisture. [13] X Expert Source Jonathan Frank, MDSports Orthopedic Surgeon & Joint Preservation Specialist Expert Interview. 31 July 2020. If it is too cold or your skin gets numb, remove the pack. [14] X Research source
Swelling may result in loss of mobility and compression can help prevent this. Use compression until the affected area is no longer swelling or your doctor suggests it. You can get compressive wraps and bandages at any pharmacy or medical supply store, as well many large department retailers.
If you cannot lift your arm, prop it up with pillows or on a piece of furniture.
You can wrap your cast in heavy plastic, such as a garbage bag or even plastic wrap. Make sure that the entire cast is wrapped and secure. You may want to put a small towel in your cast to help prevent water from leaking down the inside. Not only will this ensure the integrity of the cast, but can also help prevent skin irritations or infections. In the event that your cast gets wet, dry it with a hair dryer. This may help ensure the integrity of the cast. If the cast gets soaked, call your doctor and ask her how to proceed.
Wear loose clothing with large arm holes. It may also be easier to wear short sleeved shirts or tank tops. If it is cold, you can wrap a sweater around the shoulder of the broken arm. Keeping your arm inside the sweater may help it stay warm. If you want to wear gloves but can’t slip them on, try putting a sock around your hand.
You can learn how to brush your teeth, hair, or use kitchen utensils with your non-dominant hand.
You can ask a friend to take notes for you in class or type papers. You might also want to ask your teacher if you can tape class. You’ll find that strangers may also be more likely to offer assistance to you while you have a broken arm. From helping you with groceries to holding doors open for you, take the opportunity to rest your arm in these instances. Stay away from challenging activities. Certain activities, such as driving, may be more difficult with a broken arm. Ask your friends or family members for rides or take public transportation.
This is especially critical if you have a break and your doctor is waiting to put a cast on once the swelling has subsided. You may want to wait a few weeks to return to your usual activities or until your doctor gives you approval.
You can take either over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or acetaminophen. Ibuprofen and naproxen sodium may also help to reduce swelling. Children and teenagers under 18 should not take aspirin unless approved by a doctor. You should also avoid aspirin and other medications that can thin your blood if the bone broke the skin or there is associated bleeding. If your pain is severe enough, your doctor may prescribe a pain reliever with a narcotic for a few days.
Only undertake rehabilitation with the permission and under the direction of your doctor. Early rehabilitation may include simple movements to promote blood flow and stave off stiffness. Physical therapy can help restore muscle strength, joint motion, and flexibility once any casting or bracing is removed or if you have healed from your surgery.
During surgery, an orthopedic surgeon may insert fixation devices that stabilize your bones. Screws, nails, plates, and wires are all types of fixation devices. These help maintain the position of your bones during the healing process. During this procedure, you’ll go under local anesthesia while your doctor inserts and applies the fixation. Recovery is often dependent on the severity of the break and how well you take care of it. After surgery, you may require physical therapy to restore muscle strength, flexibility, and joint movement.
Calcium and Vitamin D can work together to help your bones get stronger. Good sources of calcium include milk, spinach, soybeans, kale, cheese, and yogurt. You can take calcium supplements if diet alone cannot provide for your calcium needs, though you should aim to get as much as you can from whole foods. Good sources of vitamin D include salmon, tuna, beef liver, and egg yolks. As with calcium, you can take Vitamin D supplements to help augment your food choices. Consider eating foods fortified with calcium or Vitamin D. Many fruit juices, such as grape or orange, may contain calcium or Vitamin D. Some milk products are fortified with Vitamin D.
Try weight training, walking, hiking, jogging, climbing stairs, tennis, and dancing to strengthen and maintain your bones. Make sure you check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program, especially if you have osteoporosis.
