Sports and physical activity can result in injuries such as a broken arm in children or adults in Oklahoma City. Most often, a broken arm occurs from landing sharply on the arm or an acute injury directly to the bones of the wrist, elbow, or the arm. The arm is made up of three bones: the humerus, the radius, and the ulna. The humerus makes up the upper arm until the elbow. The radius and ulna constitute the forearm from the elbow to the wrist. A broken arm implies a fracture or the breaking of the arm bones extending from the wrist to the shoulder. The experts at Olsen Orthopedics offer management and treatment of a broken arm in Oklahoma City.
Symptoms of a Broken Arm
A broken arm can cause considerable discomfort. Some of the symptoms of a broken arm include the following:
- Severe pain that increases when moving the arm
- Bruising and tenderness of the arm
- Swelling of the arm
- Bending or deformation of the injured arm
- Difficulty moving or turning the arm
- An open wound or skin tear on the arm
Diagnosis of a Broken Arm
The doctor will ask for a detailed history and will conduct a thorough physical examination of the arm. Most often, tests and X-rays of the injured arm will be taken and reviewed to assess the extent of the injury. Further scans and testing may also be needed.
Immediate Management of a Broken Arm
The emergency care for a broken arm in Oklahoma City may be carried out at the location of the injury or the emergency unit of a hospital. The emergency management of an arm fracture typically involves the following:
- Control of bleeding with pressure
- Ice packs to reduce swelling and pain
- Compression of the injured arm to reduce swelling
- Elevation of the injured area to above the level of the heart
Treatment of a Broken Arm
A broken arm may require surgical or non-surgical therapy. Surgery may be needed for fractured arm bones that are displaced and that cannot be returned to their original position or have pierced through the skin.
Do not let pain and complications due to a broken arm limit your active lifestyle. Consult the specialists at Olsen Orthopedics in Oklahoma City to get your arm treated with quality care and personal attention. Contact us today to book an appointment and learn more.
