Could my arm possibly be broken? I've broken it before, but I'm not sure if it is broken again.?

Question

I feel stupid for posting this. I've broken my right arm distal ulna once. Severely. It was a compound fracture requiring surgery (I was 6). When I was 13 I broke my left arm (distal) and while I was getting my arm x-rayed they discovered a previous fracture on my left arm, more proximal than the one at the time, that apparently I had never noticed.

Two days ago I noticed a lump and pain on my left arm, towards the middle. I don't know where I hit it, or anything, but I assume it must have been on the bus I take in the mornings or something (I ride a crowded University bus). But now it's all black and blue and when i move my wrist or elbow it feels like there is a... pulling right there. And then my arm aches and radiates down into my hand.

Is it possible my arm is broken? I question my judgement since apparently I didn't notice once before. When I broke my arms last time it was near the wrist and it swelled and changed how I could move the wrist, so I noticed right away.

Help?

Answer 1

Go and see your doctor and get an x-ray.

Answer 2

first, an xray is needed to see whether this "lump" on your arm is bone or not. although there can be plenty of swelling, a fracture usually doen't show up as a lump. a "lump" can be a tumor (bone or soft tissue), ruptured tendon/muscle, or entirely something else depending on how big or hard it is.

if it is a fracture, and given your description/history, you or your doc may want to look into why you get broken bones without the appropriate mechanisms (ie fall onto your arm) and also necessarily noticing them. it is important to rule out any metabolic issues that would make your bone weak.
good luck

Answer 3

you must get an x ray to determine if its fractured or broken. The longer you wait the more damage you can cause.

Answer 4

Whatever it is, it's not right. Get to a doctor ASAP. If it's as bad as it sounds, get to A&E. Good luck