Find care near me Key Points
- The article describes the three bones that make up the arm: the radius, ulna, and humerus, and outlines common causes of broken arms, such as falls and car accidents.
- Symptoms of a broken arm can include a snapping sound at the time of injury, severe pain, bruising, swelling, inability to rotate the palm, and visible deformity.
- Immediate medical attention is vital if a broken arm is suspected. Diagnosis typically involves checking for tenderness and swelling and confirming the break with an X-ray.
- Treatment for a broken arm can vary depending on the type and location of the break, and can range from manual setting to surgery. Immobilization with a cast, splint, or sling is often necessary for healing.
- The article recommends using Solv to book same-day urgent care appointments, as a way to avoid long waits in the emergency room.
Did you know that the arm is made up of three bones? These are the radius, the ulna, and the humerus. Do you know what isn’t humorous? When one of these bones gets broken. Still, broken arms are fairly common and most often caused by a fall onto an outstretched arm. Other common causes include trauma such as a car accident.
So, how can you tell if you have a broken arm? The most common symptoms of a broken arm include:
- Hearing a pop or a snap at the moment of injury
- Severe pain that gets worse when you move your arm
- Bruising
- Swelling
- The inability to rotate your palm
- Deformity
If you think you or your child may have a broken arm, it’s important to seek medical attention right away so that the broken bones can be set to ensure they heal properly. To diagnose a broken arm, a physician will check the arm for tenderness and swelling. To confirm the diagnosis, he or she will also have you get an X-ray to pinpoint the exact location and extent of the break.
Treatment of a broken arm will vary depending on the type and location of the break. Some broken arms may be able to be set manually, while bones that have broken into many pieces may need surgery to set properly. Regardless, immobilization of the arm is very important once the bones have been set. Usually, the arm will be placed in a cast, splint, or sling. If swelling is severe, it may be several days before a cast can be applied. Your doctor may also prescribe pain medication and, if the broken arm has caused a break in the skin, antibiotics to prevent infection.
If you or your child has a broken arm, don’t spend hours in an emergency room waiting to be seen. Instead, use Solv to make a same-day appointment at an urgent care near you. Solv will help you find an urgent care that’s close by and accepts your insurance, and then lets you wait from the comfort of your own home until it’s time to be seen. The next time injury strikes, get healthcare that works for you by using Solv to make your appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What are the three bones of the arm?
The three bones of the arm are the radius, ulna, and humerus.What are common causes of broken arms?
Common causes of broken arms include falls and traumatic events like car accidents.What are the symptoms of a broken arm?
Symptoms of a broken arm can include a snapping sound at the time of injury, severe pain, bruising, swelling, inability to rotate the palm, and visible deformity.What should I do if I suspect I have a broken arm?
If you suspect you have a broken arm, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention.How is a broken arm diagnosed?
A broken arm is typically diagnosed by checking for tenderness and swelling and confirming the break with an X-ray.What are the possible treatments for a broken arm?
Treatments for a broken arm can range from manual setting to surgery, with immobilization using a cast, splint, or sling often necessary for healing.What is Solv and why does the article recommend it?
Solv is a service for booking same-day urgent care appointments. The article recommends it as a way to avoid long waits in the emergency room.What medications might be prescribed for a broken arm?
Pain medication and antibiotics (if the skin is broken) may be prescribed for a broken arm.
