About this topic
The lower part of the arm is the forearm. It is made up of two bones. A forearm fracture is a break in one or both of these bones. There may be a crack or a break all the way through the bone. Both bones may be broken or shattered. You may have problems moving your wrist or elbow. This often is from a fall, car crash, or direct blow to the lower arm. ‚
The treatment will depend on how bad the break is. You may need a cast or splint. Other breaks need surgery to fix them. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Rest your arm. Your doctor may have you wear a splint, brace, or cast to limit your movement.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Prop your arm on pillows to help with swelling. Try to keep your forearm raised above your heart.
- Wiggle your fingers often. This will help blood flow. Move your shoulders often so you do not get shoulder pain.
- Wear a sling if the doctor tells you to.
- Ask about cast or splint care.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may need more x-rays. The doctor may need to remove your cast, splint, brace, or stitches. Your doctor may order physical therapy (PT) or an exercise program for you. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
Your doctor may drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
- A fracture takes about 6 to 10 weeks to heal. You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
- Ask your doctor when it is safe for you to play sports, drive, or work.
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Damage to nerves and blood vessels
- Less movement of your elbow and wrist
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Take extra care to avoid falling. Falls are a common cause of fractures.
- Use protective equipment when playing sports.
- Eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D. This will help keep your bones strong.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Your hand or fingers turn blue, feel cold, or feel numb or tingling
- You have more swelling
- You have more or very bad pain
- If you have a cast, splint, or brace and it feels too tight
- If you have questions about your condition
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my fracture.
- I can tell you how to care for my injured area.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more pain or I have more numbness and tingling and swelling.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00584 ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00039 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚