Broken Arm Fractured Arm

Overview

A broken arm, or fractured arm, means one or more of the three bones in your arm has cracked or snapped. The bones are the upper arm bone (humerus) and the two forearm bones (radius and ulna).

Yes. A broken arm is one of the most common fractures diagnosed in all age groups.

It can happen to anyone at any age. Children and older adults often break an arm after a fall. Younger adults may break an arm playing sports or in a road accident.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain in the arm that often gets worse when you move or use it
• Swelling, bruising, or tenderness
• Difficulty moving or straightening the arm
• A visible bump, bend, or unusual twist in the arm
• Warmth around the injured area

Symptoms in children

• Crying or saying their arm hurts
• Refusing to use or move the arm
• Swelling or a swollen spot on the arm
• A bent shape compared to the other side (only in some cases)

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain that may be milder than you expect, especially with fragile bones
• Bruising and swelling that appear a day or two later
• Difficulty using the arm for everyday tasks, like dressing or making meals

Causes

Main causes

• Falling onto an outstretched hand
• Direct blow or impact, such as during a car accident or sports
• A fall from a height
• Weakening of bone from conditions like osteoporosis

Risk factors

• Getting older, with natural loss of bone density
• Osteoporosis or low bone density
• Playing contact sports or activities with a risk of falling
• Poor muscle strength or balance problems
• Taking part in high-risk activities, like cycling, climbing, or skiing (without protection)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You think your arm may be broken and you have significant pain or swelling
• The arm is hard to move or feels weak
• You cannot straighten or bend the arm normally

Book a routine appointment if:

• You had a fall and now have ongoing discomfort that does not improve
• You were told you have a bruised arm, but it still hurts after a few days
• You need a follow-up appointment or X-ray results

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask how the injury happened and examine your arm carefully. They will look for swelling, tenderness, and any change in shape.

Tests that may be done

• X-ray, which is the most common test to see if a bone is broken
• CT scan or MRI, if the fracture is complex or needs more detail
• A physical examination to check for nerve or blood vessel problems

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will gently move and feel the arm. If an X-ray is needed, it is quick and painless. The doctor will explain what they find and discuss the best treatment for you. They may refer you to an orthopaedic (bone) specialist if the break is severe or involves a joint.

Treatment

Treatment aims to keep the broken bones aligned so they can heal in the right position. Most breaks are treated with a cast or splint. A severe break may need surgery to hold the bones in place.

Self-care at home

• Rest the arm and keep it elevated on pillows to ease swelling
• Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 15–20 minutes several times a day
• Keep the cast or splint dry and do not remove it
• Move your fingers, hand, and shoulder gently if you are able, as instructed by your doctor
• Take pain relief exactly as recommended by your pharmacist or GP

Medical treatments

For a simple break, the arm may be placed in a cast or a splint. If the bone is displaced, a doctor may gently move the bone back into line without surgery, a process called closed reduction. For more complex breaks, surgery may be needed to fix the bones with metal plates, screws, or rods. After surgery, you may need a cast for a time.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is usually needed if the fracture is unstable, if the bone broke through the skin, if there is damage to blood vessels or nerves, or if the fracture cannot be held straight in a cast. It may also be recommended for fractures into the joint or when the patient has multiple injuries.

Living with this condition

For the first few weeks, you will need to manage daily tasks one-handed. Use your sling or cast as recommended. Keep the arm dry and clean. Simple things like dressing, cooking, and washing can be harder, so ask for help when you need it.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling while your arm is healing
• Adjust your home to lower the risk of falls, like removing loose rugs and keeping walkways clear
• Sleep with the arm propped up on pillows so it stays comfortable
• Gradually return to normal activities only with your doctor's approval

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet with enough calcium and vitamin D supports bone healing. Gentle exercise for the rest of your body, such as walking, can keep you active, but avoid exercising the injured arm until your doctor says it is safe.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A broken arm can affect your independence and mood. You might feel frustrated, anxious, or low. These feelings are normal. Talk to your family and friends, and let your healthcare team know if you feel worried or depressed.

Prevention

You cannot prevent every break, but you can lower your risk. Keep your home free of trip hazards, wear protective gear for sports, and do regular weight-bearing exercise to keep bones strong.

Screening programmes

Older adults, especially women, may be offered a bone density test to check for osteoporosis. If you are aged 50 or over and break an arm easily, ask your GP about a bone health check.

Complications

If left untreated

• The bone may heal in the wrong position (malunion), causing a crooked arm
• The bone may not heal fully (nonunion), leading to ongoing pain and weakness
• Nerve or blood vessel damage can lead to permanent numbness, weakness, or loss of movement
• Severe swelling inside the arm can cut off circulation, a serious condition called compartment syndrome

Long-term outlook

The outlook for a broken arm is good. With proper treatment and some patience, most people make a full recovery. It may take weeks or months, and some people need physiotherapy to regain full strength and movement. Complications are uncommon when you receive timely care.

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