A break can occur in any of several different bones and
can take a variety of forms. Healing time depends on the
location and nature of the fracture, and can take from weeks to
months.
Causes
A fall or accident is almost
always the cause.
Signs/Symptoms
You'll experience pain, swelling,
bruising, and possibly bleeding. The arm may be weak or numb,
or may tingle. It may look injured or out of
alignment.
Care
The doctor will probably need to
put a cast or a splint on the arm to keep the bones from
moving. A serious fracture may need surgery.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
To reduce the swelling, keep the injured arm above
the level of your heart as much as
possible.
Apply ice to the injury for 15 to 20 minutes each
hour for the first 1 to 2 days. Put the ice in a plastic
bag and place a thin towel between the bag of ice and your
cast.
If you have a plaster or Fiberglass
Cast:
Do not try to scratch the skin under the cast by
pushing a sharp or pointed object down the
cast.
Check the skin around the cast every day. You may
put lotion on any red or sore areas.
If your fiberglass cast gets a little wet, it can
be dried with a hair dryer.
If you have a plaster splint:
Wear the splint until your follow-up examination
unless your doctor has given you other
instructions.
You may loosen the elastic around the splint if
your fingers become numb or begin to
tingle.
Do not put pressure on any part of your cast or
splint; it may break.
Keep your cast or splint dry. While bathing, protect
it with a plastic bag. Do not lower it into
water.
If your doctor prescribes pain medication, take no
more than directed. If the medication makes you drowsy,
don't drive. You may also use over-the-counter pain
killers.
Seek Care Immediately If...
The cast gets damaged or breaks.
You have continued severe pain or increased
swelling.
The skin or fingernails of the casted arm turn blue
or grey, or feel cold or numb.
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