Fact Checked
Overview of a broken arm or wrist
- A broken wrist or arm is generally a result from a fall onto an extended arm.
- It can take about 8 weeks to fully heal in adults, and about 5 weeks for children.
- Doctor’s talk about all cracks and breaks in bones as fractures.
- If you believe you have a broken arm or wrist go to your nearby emergency hospital.
- If the injury is serious, phone for an ambulance.
Do I have an injury?
A broken wrist or arm bone will be excruciating and there might also be:
- Inflammation or sensitivity around the injured region
- Blood loss, if the bone has injured the skin and tissue
These symptoms might also take place if your arm or wrist is twisted rather than broken. An X-ray is the only method to establish whether the bone is broken or not.
If the bone is a clean break, you might have heard a sudden snap or a crushing noise. In more serious instances, the bone might crack into several pieces or pierce through the skin at an angle.
What steps to take
- It’s vital not to consume anything by mouth if you think your arm is broken, as you might require a general anaesthetic to permit doctors to re-adjust the bone.
- Prior to reaching the emergency room, a sling might help steady the arm (this will go underneath the arm and then looped around the neck). Try not to straighten out the arm.
- Placing an ice pack to the damaged region can help decrease pain and inflammation.
- If your youngster has hurt their wrist or arm, get somebody else to drive the car so you can reassure and calm them
Treating a broken wrist or arm
- An arm or wrist that appears to be broken is generally treated in an emergency department. Treatment will vary depending on of serious the accident was.
- A GP will offer you or your kid pain relievers and then place a splint to the arm to keep it in place and avoid further harm.
Related video
FACT CHECK
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/colles-fracture#1
http://www.assh.org/handcare/hand-arm-injuries/wrist-fractures
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/broken-wrist-broken-hand/symptoms-causes/syc-20353169