There are three bones in your arm: the ulna, radius, and humerus. When one or more of the three bones in your arm experiences severe trauma, it can be broken. If you suspect you or your child has a broken arm, it is important to seek prompt medical attention. At Olsen Orthopedics, we are able to treat your broken arm in Oklahoma City. The treatments available for a broken arm depend on the site of the break and the severity of the injury. Simple breaks are sometimes easily treated with a sling, ice and rest. Sometimes, a broken bone may require realignment in an urgent care facility or an emergency room. With more serious breaks, surgery may be needed.
Symptoms of a Broken Arm
If you experience trauma to your arm and hear a snap or cracking sound, it may be an indication you have broken your arm. Other signs and symptoms include:
- Immediate swelling
- Bruising
- Deformities, such as a bent arm or wrist
- Severe pain that may increase with movement
- Inability to turn your arm from palm up to palm down or vice versa
Risk Factors and Causes
There are some medical conditions that may make a person more prone to breaking a bone in their arm such as osteoporosis and bone tumors. There are also some sports, especially contact sports and those that increase the risk of falling, that raise the possibility of an arm injury. High-risk sports include football, soccer, gymnastics, skiing, and skateboarding.
Other things that can lead to a broken arm are:
- Falls where the outstretched hand or elbow is used to break the fall
- Significant trauma in a vehicle accident, including a car accident, bike accident, or other vehicle-related direct trauma
- Child abuse can result in a broken arm because of mishandling and roughly handling a child
Treatment for a Broken Arm in Oklahoma City
A good rule of thumb is if you have enough pain in your arm that you are not able to use it normally, you should see a doctor. This is especially true with children because their bones heal much faster than adults. For treatment of a broken arm, please don’t hesitate to contact Olsen Orthopedics in Oklahoma City. Contact us today to book an appointment.
