How long does it take for a forearm fracture to heal?

Forearm bones typically take 3 to 6 months to fully heal. The more severe your injury, however, the longer your recovery may be.

Will a forearm fracture heal on its own?

In rare cases, fractures to the forearm may heal on their own, but only if the bone has stayed in precisely the correct position for healing, and the patient does not move that arm even one millimeter during the healing process, which can take up to several months depending on the severity of the fracture.

Do you need a cast for a fractured forearm?

Most forearm fractures require a cast for at least 6 weeks, and sometimes even for 12 weeks depending on the severity of the fracture and how well it is healing. Sometimes at the 6 week mark, the long arm cast can be changed to a shorter cast.

How do you treat a broken ulnar?

Isolated ulnar fractures can usually be managed with a short arm cast or a functional forearm brace. Mason type I radial head fractures can be treated with a splint for five to seven days or with a sling as needed for comfort, along with early range-of-motion exercises.

How is a hairline fracture of the forearm treated?

Treatment of a Hairline Fracture Forearm Bones:

1. Follow the RICE method: Rest. Ice. Compression. Elevation.
2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetaminophen can also help with pain.

How is a fractured forearm treated?

Surgical Treatments Surgery is performed in most of the forearm cases and usually performed through one or two incisions at different levels and sides of the forearm. The fractures are reduced and held together with plates and screws. After surgery your forearm will be put in a short splint for comfort and protection.

What does a forearm fracture feel like?

If you have fractured one or both of the bones of your forearm, your symptoms will vary depending on the severity of your fracture. Symptoms may include: Pain, swelling, tenderness, and limited motion near the area of broken bone.

How can I tell if I have a hairline fracture in my forearm?

Symptoms of a Hairline Fracture: Localized Swelling. Tenderness to touch. Bruising. Reduced pain at rest.

Can you move your arm if it’s fractured?

The majority of fractures heal and normal arm movement is restored. Many of these factors based on the individual injury and medical history may determine the final outcome of a broken bone: Earlier treatment usually improves results.

Can fractures heal without cast?

Some fractures stay still enough to heal without a cast or surgical plate. Ribs run parallel to each other, so a fractured rib is supported by the ribs on each side. We also don’t put a bunch of pressure on our ribs, so they heal easily.

Does a hairline fracture in the arm need a cast?

Treatment for a hairline fracture looks different than that of a more severe fracture. You likely won’t need a cast, but the doctor may recommend that you wear a brace to keep your arm immobile. You should also rest your arm and use ice to control the pain.

Can you fracture your forearm and still move it?

A broken forearm can affect your ability to rotate your arm and even bend or straighten the wrist and elbow. A bone may be completely fractured or partially fractured in any number of ways (crosswise, lengthwise, in multiple pieces).

What should I do if I have a fracture in my forearm?

Treatment for forearm fractures depends on the type of fracture and the degree of displacement. Your doctor will use one of the following treatments, or a combination of both, to treat a forearm fracture. Some stable fractures, such as buckle fractures, may simply need the support of a cast or splint while they heal.

What do you need to know about nondisplaced fractures?

Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***. A nondisplaced fracture is a common injury in which a force causes the bone to crack or break but maintain its alignment. A nondisplaced fracture treatment plan is similar to that of a severe break that repositions the bone, or a displaced bone fracture.

What to do with a displaced ulnar shaft fracture?

Nonsurgical treatment of displaced intra-articular fractures of the distal radius is associated with an increased risk of radiocarpal arthritis. Isolated ulnar shaft fractures that are not displaced by more than 50 percent of the bone diameter and that are angulated less than 10 degrees can be treated with a functional brace or short arm cast.

What are the different types of forearm fractures?

Forearm fractures can occur as a single (radius or ulna only) or combined (both bones) fracture. When both bones are fractured at different levels and there is a joint injury at the wrist or elbow, these are described as Galeazzi or Monteggia fractures: