Forearm Fractures: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Physical Therapy
If you are having intense pain in your forearm, and you just had a fall, a direct hit to your forearm, or have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, your forearm bones may be broken.
It is important to seek help immediately, as the arm can be evaluated, the location, and severity of the fracture identified, and for treatment to begin soonest.
This is necessary to relieve the pain and prevent further damage. Physical therapy is effective for treating fractured forearms. It provides an easy way to relieve pain and bring back strength and motion to the arm.
Contact a physical therapist at Polygon PT right away to get started.
Types of Forearm Fractures
One or both of the forearm bones can get fractured. The fractures can be displaced or non-displaced. In displaced fractures, the broken bones shift out of position. While in non-displaced fractures, the broken bones remain in position.
Fractures involving both the ulna and radius at the same time include:
Types of Forearm Fractures
One or both of the forearm bones can get fractured. The fractures can be displaced or non-displaced. In displaced fractures, the broken bones shift out of position. While in non-displaced fractures, the broken bones remain in position.
Fractures involving both the ulna and radius at the same time include:
- Galeazzi fracture: this occurs when there is a displaced fracture at the radius, and there is a dislocation of the ulna where both bones come together at the wrist
- Monteggia fracture: this occurs when there is a fracture at the ulna, and the top of the radius bone (at the elbow) is dislocated.
Causes of Forearm Fractures
The common causes of broken forearm include:
- A direct hit to the forearm
- Fall on your outstretched arm
- Motorcycle or automobile accidents
Symptoms of Forearm Fractures
When your forearm gets broken, the first symptom is agonizing pain. You may even have to support the arm with the other. There will also be an obvious deformity of the arm – it may appear bent or out of shape.
You may also experience:
- Swelling
- Tenderness to touch
- Inability to move or rotate the arm
Diagnosing Forearm Fractures
Your doctor will perform a physical examination of your arm to determine the extent of the injury.
Imaging tests such as an X-ray will be used on your arm to determine the location and severity of the fracture. An MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) or a CT (computerized tomography) scan may also be used.
Treatment for Forearm Fractures
Forearm fractures that are not severe do not require surgery. A well-structured physical therapy treatment plan ensures complete healing of the bones in no distant time.
Your arm will be put in a cast during the period the bone heals. Gentle exercises will be prescribed during this stage to ensure the arm doesn’t get stiff. After your cast is removed, motion and strengthening exercises will be performed to bring strength and flexibility back to your forearm.
However, Most forearm fractures in adults require surgery. This is to ensure that broken pieces of the bones are aligned and stabilized during the healing process. Your surgeon will discuss the surgical procedure with you.
After surgery, post-operative rehab commences ensuring quick healing and complete recovery. Your forearm will be put in a cast during the period the bone heals, after which the cast is removed.
Your PT will educate you on exercise to perform at home for quick recovery.
Recovery from forearm fractures takes between 4 – 12 weeks. Fractures requiring surgery may take longer to heal.
Get Started with Physical Therapy for Forearm Fractures Today
Fractures to the forearm bones like all other fractures can be very painful and agonizing. Physical therapy is effective for relieving pain, strengthening the bones, and bringing back motion and flexibility.
If you just had a forearm fracture, it is important to begin treatment immediately. Request an appointment with one of our physical therapists right away.