Recognizing the Symptoms of a Broken Arm
Immediate symptoms of an arm fracture
From the moment the fracture occurs, pain is usually the first symptom experienced. This pain can be severe and gets worse with movement. Other immediate symptoms may include:
- A cracking noise or squeak at the time of the injury
- A deformation visible arm or swelling around the injured area
- A inability to move the arm normally or to put weight on it
These are signs that usually indicate that a visit to the emergency room is necessary.
Secondary signs of an arm fracture
Symptoms may progress over time, several hours or days after the initial injury. Some of these lesser known but equally important signs include:
- Of the bruises or some pain that spread from the fracture site
- A numbness or a weakness in the hand or fingers
- An arm that seems more short than the other due to shrinkage of the muscles around the fracture
Tips for Managing the Symptoms of a Broken Arm at Home
It is important to go to the emergency room as soon as possible after a broken arm. However, there are ways to ease symptoms while waiting to receive medical attention. Note that these methods should never replace a medical consultation:
- Immobilize the arm with a splint
- Use ice to reduce swelling
- Elevate the arm to help reduce pain and inflammation
Arm fracture: treatment and follow-up
Once you arrive at the hospital, a doctor will make an accurate diagnosis using an X-ray or CT scan. It is most likely that the treatment will involve immobilizing the arm with a plaster or a scarf.
Healing from an arm fracture can vary depending on the age of the patient and the type of fracture. Generally, bone healing takes about 6 weeks, but rehabilitation can last several months.
When to consult a doctor ?
If you suspect an arm fracture, even a slight one, it is important to see a doctor quickly. Signs of a medical emergency requiring a call to 911 include:
- A deformation visible
- A opening of the skin above the fracture
- A inability to move the arm
- A numbness or a weakness in the hand or fingers
It is important not to ignore these symptoms and to consult a healthcare professional immediately.
First aid techniques for a broken arm
Practical and Effective Approaches to a Broken Arm: First Aid Techniques
Finding yourself faced with a fracture, more specifically a broken arm, can be a panicking experience for both the victim and the witness. Also, it is vital to have basic knowledge to provide adequate first aid in an emergency. This article aims to guide you through the various stages of intervention when dealing with a broken arm.
Fracture Identification
We must always keep in mind that the precise diagnosis of a fracture must be made by a health professional. However, there are some signs that can tell you that someone may have a broken arm:
- Intense pain, even at rest;
- A possible visible deformation of the arm;
- Swelling or bruising in the arm;
- An inability to move the arm or fingers.
Immediate Support
The primary mission of first responders is to stabilize the situation before the arrival of emergency services. This implies that no one should attempt to replace the broken limb.
Keep the victim still: Ask the person to avoid moving the arm to prevent the injury from worsening.
Call emergency services: Dial 15 (in France), 911 (in the United States) or any other emergency number available in your country.
Immobilize the limb: You can immobilize the arm using a scarf or, failing that, with a piece of fabric. The arm should be supported, just below the injury, in a comfortable position.
Pain Management
Pain is usually the most common symptom of a fracture. While waiting for healthcare professionals to arrive, here is how you can reduce the pain:
Administer painkillers: If possible, give the victim an over-the-counter pain medication such as paracetamol or theibuprofen.
Apply ice: An ice pack wrapped in a cloth can help reduce swelling and pain. Avoid direct contact of ice with the skin to prevent skin damage.
Reactions to Complications
In some cases of complex fractures, complications may occur:
Shock: Some people can go into shock following a fracture. Symptoms to watch for include paleness, excessive sweating, nausea, and fainting. Keep the person lying down and, if possible, elevate the legs.
Bleeding: If the fracture has resulted in an open wound, it is crucial to control the bleeding with a clean dressing or bandage.
In general, the priority in the event of a fracture is to immobilize the injured limb and go to the emergency room immediately. There is no substitute for assessment and treatment by health professionals.
Using makeshift means to immobilize a broken arm
Step 1: Pain assessment and management
First of all, it is essential to make a preliminary assessment of the injury. Check the injured area for signs of fracture: sharp pain, swelling, deformity, inability to move the limb, etc. Calm the victim and make sure they are comfortable.
Step 2: Immobilize with newspaper or cardboard
Newspapers or a piece of cardboard can be used as improvised splint. Bend the material into a slightly curved shape that will support the victim’s arm from below the shoulder to their fingers. Make sure the arm is properly aligned and placed in a natural position.
Step 3: Immobilization with a Sling or Bandana
If you are unable to access a newspaper or cardboard, a scarf or bandana can also serve as amakeshift splint. Simply wrap the injured arm gently in it to provide support. The key is to do this without additional pain.
Step 4: Use clothing to stabilize the splint
Wrap strips of fabric or pieces of clothing around the arm and splint to hold it in place. Be careful not to squeeze too hard to avoid cutting off blood circulation.
Step 5: Follow-up
After immobilizing the arm, reassure the victim and ensure that they are comfortably seated while waiting for help. Continuously monitor for changes in pain and the appearance of signs such as blue or swollen fingers, which could indicate restricted blood flow.
Note: Although this method can be useful in an emergency situation, it is crucial to seek medical services as quickly as possible if a fracture is suspected.
Caring for a Broken Arm While Recovering
Caring for a Broken Arm While Recovering
Dealing with a broken arm is not a pleasant experience. There is pain, discomfort, and of course, the strain and inconvenience of having to adapt your daily life to accommodate a temporarily out-of-service member. But, one positive thing in all of this is that with the proper care, your arm can heal completely, and you can make a full recovery. This practical guide will help you better understand how to care for a broken arm while recovering.
Care of the cast or splint
If you break your arm, you will likely have a cast or splint to immobilize the area and promote healing. It is essential to know how to maintain this protective element.
- Keep it dry: moisture can weaken the cast and cause skin irritation. Use a water resistant plaster cover when you shower.
- Do not insert anything under the cast: this can cause skin damage and infections.
- Avoid impact: protect your arm during activities to avoid damaging the cast.
Pain control
An integral part of healing a fracture is controlling the pain that often follows the incident.
- Medicines without a prescription: painkillers such asibuprofen can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Non-drug strategies: such as cold therapy (ice packs) and relaxation methods may also be helpful.
Rehabilitation and exercises at home
Once your arm begins to heal, it is essential to perform exercises to restore full movement to your arm and strengthen the muscles.
- Flexion and extension exercises: These exercises will help increase your arm flexibility and strength. They can be carried out with the support of a physiotherapist.
- Strengthening exercises: Once the pain and swelling have subsided, strengthening exercises can begin to restore arm strength.
Dietary precautions
Convalescence is also a time to take care of your diet. A healthy diet rich in essential nutrients can help your body heal faster.
- Calcium: It is vital for bone consolidation. It is present in foods such as dairy products and green leafy vegetables.
- Vitamin D : The sun is our best source of vitamin D, but this vitamin is also found in fatty fish like salmon and tuna.
We know that recovering from a fracture can be challenging and we hope that the advice and suggestions provided will make this recovery period easier for you.
