How can you tell if you have broken your arm?

Question

I tripped, fell, and scraped my entire right side and banged my left knee. I fell on my awm and now it REALLY hurts. I already soaked in a bath and it didn't help at all. I don't know if I broke it. How can you tell???

I cried and got up but I didn't know what to worry about first since so much hurt at once.

Answer 1

You would need an x-ray done to know for sure. I would suggest taking some ibuprofen for pain for the next 24 hrs, but if the pain doesn't subside by then you need to go to the Dr.

Answer 2

Contrary to popular belief you can move your fingers with a broken arm so being able to move your finger doesn't rule out a fracture. Usually it will bruise and swell pretty bad along with intense pain which I've heard many patients describe as burning, severe aching or stabbing. Unless it's obviously deformed the only sure fire way to tell is an X-ray. You can avoid a long expensive ER visit by going to an urgent care center or your family doctor who can give you orders for a local radiology center. If you suspect that your arm is in fact broken you should have it evaluated. Not treating it could result in permanent damage like loss of sensations, and decreased range of motion. Hope you feel better!

Answer 3

Broken Arm Symptoms
Most broken arms have these symptoms:



A large amount of pain and increased pain when moving the arm


Swelling


Maybe an obvious deformity compared to the other arm


Possible open wound either from the bone puncturing the skin or from the skin being cut during the injury


Decreased sensation or inability to move the limb, which may indicate nerve damage

Answer 4

An xray is the only way to tell if you have a fracture. You can use ice, elevate and take an over the counter antiinflammatory such as ibuprofen if you aren't allergic. Then you need to decide if it hurts so badly that you need to go to the ER tonight or if you don't feel it is that bad, wait until tomorrow and call you family doctor. They can see you and send you for out patient xrays, which is usually alot less expensive.

Answer 5

it could just be badly bruised
but go get an x-ray to be sure

Answer 6

well if you cant move your fingers and you screem and cry with pain from it then its broken but it just sounds like you sprained it.

Answer 7

easy were you crying and screaming estarically when the injury acured?????

Answer 8

it would be swollen.