Medically Reviewed by Lawrence Colvin, PA-C
The forearm is made up of two bones in your lower arm, the radius and ulna. A fracture in the forearm can occur near the wrist, in the middle of the forearm, or near the elbow. The forearm motion allows us to rotate our palms up or down. 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). If the bone breaks in such a way that bone fragments stick out through the skin, or a wound penetrates down to the broken bone, the fracture is called an “open” fracture and requires immediate attention.
Causes of a Fractured Forearm
- A direct blow to the forearm
- A fall on an outstretched arm
What are the Symptoms of a Broken Forearm?
- Immediate pain in the lower arm
- Obvious deformity
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Inability to rotate the arm
To determine whether you have broken forearm, your physician will ask you for a complete medical history and conduct a physical examination. An X-ray can confirm the diagnosis.
How are Forearm Fractures Treated?
In an emergency room or urgent care, forearm fracture treatment begins with stabilizing the bones and temporarily realigning them with a cast or splint.
Nonsurgical Treatment
If the broken bone is in a good position or can be put back into good alignment, a cast can be used to keep the forearm steady until it heals. An orthopedic physician will monitor the healing of the fracture with frequent clinic visits and X-rays.
Surgery
If the broken bone is out of place and the alignment cannot be corrected, surgery may be required. Surgery is also necessary for open fractures where the bones have broken through the skin. This type of forearm surgery depends on where the break in the bones occurred and the severity of the break. Your surgeon will determine the best surgery for your injury.
Rehabilitation
Recovery for a broken forearm depends on the severity of the injury. Forearm bones typically take three to six months to fully heal. The more severe your injury, the longer the recovery may be. Rehabilitation usually begins after a few weeks of healing. Sometimes you may still use a cast or brace during the beginning stages of rehabilitation. Physical or Occupational Therapy will focus on strength and range of motion exercises.
Schedule an Appointment with Raleigh Orthopaedic
If you’re dealing with pain, discomfort, or an injury, don’t wait to get the care you need. Our expert team at Raleigh Orthopaedic is here to help you feel better, move better, and get back to doing what you love. Schedule an appointment online or call us at 919-781-5600 to be seen—often within 48 hours. For immediate care, we offer walk-in orthopedic urgent care services. Click here for hours and locations.
Disclaimer:Â The information on this site is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or medical judgment. Always consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment.