Lower arm break

Overview

If the ulna or radius has to carry more weight than its stability allows, it will break into two or more pieces (forearm fracture). This causes severe pain and swelling, and sometimes a misalignment is visible. For such injuries, the lower arm must be splinted, immobilised and cooled, and a doctor must be consulted immediately.

Symptoms

Main symptoms

• Pain
• Swelling and bruising
• Restricted mobility of elbow or wrist

Other symptoms

• Obvious deformity or misalignment
• Injuries to the nerves in the elbow area can lead to sensory disorders of the hand
• After a long time, the hand muscles can atrophy
  

Causes and treatment

Causes

• Direct external trauma
  • Blow
  • Snap
  • Fall
• Osteoporosis

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• X-ray

Possible therapies

• Plaster cast
• Operation
  

What can I do myself?

• Try to move the fractured area as little as possible, stabilise and immobilise the forearm
• Cool the arm (if possible)

Get a personal Preventive Care Recommendation now.

When to see a doctor?

• After an external trauma (fall, etc.)
  • Severe pain
  • Severe swelling
  • If the forearm is abnormally positioned
  • Unusual sensations in the arm / hand
• Increasing pain inside the plaster cast