Fracture arm

Overview

The arm is composed of three parts, the ulna, radius, and humerus. A broken arm is defined as having one or more arm bones broken or cracked. The arm could swell and be painful. Falling onto an extended hand is one of the most typical ways that an arm is broken. In the event that someone is suspected to broken their arm, they should seek medical attention, this is to ensure good healing, a fracture must be treated as soon as possible.

The appropriate treatment for a bone injury depends on where and how severe the damage is. If the break is minor, a combination of a sling, ice, and rest may be used to treat it. However, if the bone is significantly damaged, it may require being realigned by a medical professional in an emergency room.

If the fracture is more severe, surgery may be necessary to realign the broken bone and implant wires, plates, nails, or screws to hold the bone in place while it heals.

Symptoms

Depending on how severe the fracture is and how many bones are involved, the symptoms of a broken arm may change. If the arm is twisted or has an open fracture, where the bone sticks through the skin, it may be obvious that the arm has been broken.

The first indication that the arm is broken could be a snap or cracking sound. Signs and symptoms include:

• Arms looks twisted, bent, or not in place properly
• Severe pain
• Swelling or tenderness
• Inability to move the arm.
• Bruising
• Numbness or weakness

If you are unable to use your arm normally due to intense pain, it is crucial to consult a doctor without delay. The same advice applies to children as well. When a broken arm is not promptly diagnosed and treated, it can result in inadequate healing, particularly in children who tend to recover faster than adults.

Causes

Broken arms frequently result from the following:

• Falls: The most typical way that an arm is broken is when someone falls onto an outstretched hand or elbow.
• Sports activities: All sorts of arm fractures are brought on by direct blows and accidents on the field or court.
• Trauma. During a vehicle collision, bike accident, or other direct trauma, any of the arm bones could fracture.
• Child abuse: A fractured arm in a child could be the result of an abuse.

Risk factors

A fractured arm can occur more frequently due to certain medical problems or physical activities.

• Age: A broken arm from a fall or trip may be more likely in older people with weaker bones.
• Bone abnormalities: A person’s risk of bone fractures may increase due to underlying bone disorders. Bone fractures are more likely to occur in people with osteoporosis or bone tumor, a condition that weakens bones. Older adults may experience this more frequently. An example of this kind of fracture is a pathological fracture.
• Athletes: Overuse is another factor in broken arms. Muscles can become fatigued by repeated motion. As a result, bones are subjected to increased strain and stress, leading to stress fractures. Athletes are more prone to overuse.

A broken arm is more likely to occur in any sport that includes physical contact or raises the possibility of falling, such as football, soccer, gymnastics, skiing, and skating.