how to straighten arm after humerus fracture

The broken bone pierces the skin, a serious condition that requires immediate, aggressive treatment to decrease the risk of infection. Bristol, BS15 9TR. I tried kayaking with my arm but realized that it was not yet strong enough to paddle comfortably. I wore the brace on slippery hikes and when driving the motorcycle I needed to get around the tiny Caribbean island where I was staying. Fractures are classified into one or more of the following categories: Open (compound) fracture. While your elbow heals, it is important to keep it from getting too stiff or weak. This exercise sheet is designed to guide you through the next few months with some simple exercises to gradually increase your movement, decrease your pain and steadily improve your function. 2022 Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Browsealoud Supported Voices and Languages, Eliminating Mixed Sex Accommodation (EMSA), Care Quality Commission: Fundamental Standards, Trust Board Statement: Countering fraud and bribery in the NHS, Regional Haematology Multidisciplinary Team, Referral Documentation Immunology and Allergy, Malignant / Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression (MSCC), Macmillan Living with and Beyond Cancer Team, Only use an ice pack on areas that have normal skin sensation i.e. There should be no movement. The x-ray was almost identical to the week before. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider about the expected outcomes for your specific case. Remove the arm from the sling and straighten it down by your side. I found that my shoulder would become very sore mid-day and especially at the end of the day from the walking. I've heard stem cells only kick in on day 4 of fasting. Repeat 10 times slowly in each direction. Check the skin every five minutes and stop using it if: the area becomes excessively painful, numb or tingles, You can comfortably grip the steering wheel, move the gear stick, pull up the hand brake and activate the indicators, you must be given enough information to enable you to make a decision, you must be acting under your own free will and not under the strong influence of another person. Download the PDF leaflet for some images to help with the exercises. Ive also had a lot of visitors which helps. 3. Sit or stand. In November I was kicked by a horse and it completely shattered my right elbow. Start to gradually increase how far you can move your arm and use your injured arm to do more of the work until you can do the exercises without the help of the un-injured arm. 2-3 seconds. I did my stretches constantly until my first appointment with a doctor in the US. Ill have another x-ray next week to confirm that the healing is on track. The Accident On Saturday, August 6, 2017, I slipped and fell down a staircase. You should receive a physiotherapy appointment around 4 weeks after your injury. When broken it needs specialised care so that you can cope with the problems it brings. I took also sessions with body practioners like feldenkrais and osteopathy). not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in At this point, my arm was completely straight and I had successfully worn the brace for another 4 weeks, as instructed by my doctor. You do not need to change your dressings if you do not want too -- you can just leave them clean, dry and covered until your follow up appointment 10-14 days after surgery Buy either 'mepore' or waterproof 'aquacell' dressings Buy 'mepore' dressings at pharmacy. Upon standing up, something in my left arm felt off. The day I got my new cast, I was very happy and energized, but the next day I woke up crying and didnt want to leave the house at all. NHSmail | Pattie | Read our, Scar Tissue Management in Physical Therapy, Causes of Elbow Pain and Treatment Options, Physical Therapy After a Radial Head Fracture, Generally Accepted Values for Normal Range of Motion (ROM) in Joints. Return to Leaflet Library / Musculoskeletal (MSK) Services resources. Even though from one angle, it doesnt look as straight as one might expect from a healed humerus, she cleared me for all normal activity including lifting heavy objects and yoga! Progressing quickly from lifting a cup of water to a heavy shopping bag for example would not be advisable, as is likely to result in overloading of the soft tissue and could consequently delay your recovery. Before the accident, we were planning our move home from Sydney to LA. I've also been told I've now got CRPS. How long did you fast? Additionally in the first 72 hours, using ice packs on injured area may help with pain. It is easier to use front button shirts and pull-up trousers with an elastic waistband in the first few weeks. I went wakeboarding this summer which requires quite a bit of upper arm strength and was about as sore as I always am the next day. Background In cases with injuries to the shoulder region, the combination of acromioclavicular joint dislocation, reverse Hill-Sachs lesion, and proximal humeral fracture is a very rare condition. Luckily, Hawaiian airlines was very helpful in securing a window seat to protect my broken arm. I walked to the hair salon around the corner to get my hair washed and ran some basic errands on my own. Place a rolled towel between your elbow and side. Front and side pictures show the swelling and bruising down the arm. Even when I plan things with friends, the pain in my arm can unexpectedly get in the way, so Ive been trying to avoid making plans as much as possible. First few months I had crps in my palm (projected from the elbow), it was very black and swollen and I could barely move my fingers. A hanging U-Slab Cast was applied meaning my elbow was placed at a 90 degree angle and plaster was applied in a shape around my elbow and up to the top of my cast. The best way to manage your fracture is to let your arm hang in the collar and cuff provided. In some cases, a humerus fracture can cause your arm to become stiff or bent, making it difficult to straighten. On IV antibiotics for 6 weeks . Your physiotherapist will be able to advice you regarding this. Arm fractures may involve the ulna, humerus or radius. Luckily, my company has been very understanding and I havent had to attempt my one hour commute to work. Was it without water and food or just without food? Follow your doctors treatment plan: The treatment plan for a humerus fracture will be tailored to your specific injury and will likely include rest, ice, and pain medication to control swelling and pain. A: When I pressed a button, pain medicine was released into an IV line. Place your hands on a table with a towel under both arms. Whilst remaining in your sling support your forearm with the unaffected arm. Your physical therapist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that will help you regain the ability to straighten your arm. Im also not drinking alcohol at all, which makes social situations a bit more difficult. A follow up appointment in fracture clinic will be arranged for 3 weeks after your injury. I was hoping surgery would be a quick fix. Physical therapy is commonly pursued after an elbow fracture. We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Start thinking about some gentle strengthening exercises start with low weight like a bottle of water with a small amount of water in it. I was sedated and the bones were placed back together. The common symptoms following this type of fracture include: Pain straight after an injury Swelling Bruising Difficulty moving the arm Hold one wrist with your other hand. The long bone of the upper arm is known as the humerus. These risks include nerve damage and infection. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Shoulder Elbow. Stop non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) e.g. A case report found that joint mobilization and shortwave diathermy could help restore normal ROM. The distal end is the bottom. Then, last week, the wound become inflamed and sore yet again, and I was admitted to hospital where I underwent surgery to remove the tension band, as my consultant felt this was preventing the infection from healing. It is always good to check with your insurance company however, we advise it should be safe to return to driving when: The hand, wrist, elbow and neck can be moved gently through their full range as comfort allows from day one of your injury. Moreover, many people will develop excessive bone growth (called ossification) and a loss of joint mobility. I am having a difficult time regaining the fluidity of movement of the arm after 10 weeks. Displaced fracture. - Quora Answer (1 of 5): I broke the condyle of my left humerus 18 years ago, requiring open reduction and internal fixation with screws. Keep the elbow of your injured arm tucked into your side and your elbow bent. Humerus fracture recovery exercises typically begin with activities to improve shoulder movement, three weeks after injury, according to rehabilitation guidelines recommended by Mammoth Orthopedic Institute. I was hooked up to a PCA (patient- controlled analgesia) pump so that I could control my own pain without waiting for a nurse. To manage your pain, we advise that you regularly take simple pain relief, which can be bought over the counter. The next day, I flew from Sydney to Honolulu and then Honolulu to Los Angeles. Do 10 more circles once in each direction. I spent one last sleepless night in the hospital and the next day was cleared to leave the hospital. Hold your arm close to your body with your elbow at a right angle. You can call your physio on 020 3315 8404 or email. He gave me some new exercises and said that going to yoga would likely really help the healing process, but to clear this after my x-ray with the doctor. I went to the physical therapist first and he was very impressed by my range of motion. The next most common place for the upper arm bone to break is at the elbow. I was in hospital for one night and placed on an antibiotic IV. Contact details are available at the end of this leaflet. On Sunday and Monday, the fracture site pain returned. Slowly lift both arms from your chest straight up and bring back down. Repeat 10 times each direction. My physio was messed up as they wouldn't touch me. where you can feel hot and cold, Not apply an ice pack to an area that has poor circulation. All photos with kind permission of Physiotec. Good luck. I started working on bending my arm up as well as doing the straightening exercises. Please refer to Browsealoud Supported Voices and Languages. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve your range of motion and strengthen the muscles in your arm. I regretted this within the first hour when she got excited and hit my arm when telling a funny story. Shukla DR, Pillai G, McAnany S, Hausman M, Parsons BO. This content does not have an English version. I myself fractured my right Elbow and underwent surgery to resposition the fracture of the Humerus from the Radial head trauma. A broken humerus is fairly uncommon, but quite debilitating and information online is limited, so Ive decided to write about my journey in hopes that it will help others in this unfortunate situation. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. I had already put in my resignation before the injury, so will be able to heal without worrying about work. If you don't have a stick, hold your injured arm at the wrist, guide it outwards with your good hand. Now repeat to the right as far as possible. Take your time. I can dress and bathe myself, drive, and even do light housework. I also continued to do my new physical therapy exercises 23 times per day. I decided to stop wearing the brace except for in high risk situations. I am having acupuncture and physiotherapy, twice weekly, and I also make sure I do my exercises several times a day. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. You may feel or hear the bone moving; this is not unusual but by allowing your arm to Registered office is: Sirona care & health, 2nd Floor, Kingswood Civic Centre, High Street, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 9TR. I have not been able to straighten my arm far past 90 degrees for over 15 years. Repeat 10 times. An x-ray revealed that my left humerus was badly fractured (spiral) in four places and the doctors said surgery would be needed as soon as possible. I also avoided pulling the arm and picking up anything heavy. It will take a minimum of 12 weeks to heal. You should then be able to wash and apply deodorant. Any advice would be so much appreciated Thank you. There are many different ways in which ice can be applied however crushed ice, in the form of frozen peas for example, is the most effective. Support your forearm on a table as shown: Start weaning from your sling, the easiest way is to gradually use the sling less and less over a few days. But when I woke up, it felt fine, which gave me the confidence to start wearing it less and less, with caution of course. I now feel more confident leaving the house with my new cast. I fractured my humerous just by the elbow last October. respect of any healthcare matters. Elbow (olecranon) fractures. This fracture can be treated in a sling for 4 weeks. That may seem obvious but a lot of people ignore the signals that their body is giving them, which can cause further injury and could postpone the healing process. With that said, immobilizing an elbow fracture can be extremely risky. This video has been medically reviewed by Laura Campedelli, PT, DPT. Hold approx. I would fully recommend acupuncture. Your shoulder may feel comfortable while you have been in the sling and you may have stopped taking your pain relief. Its important to follow your doctors instructions and not to push yourself too hard. Start a gentle strengthening programme as per the next set of exercises. After an elbow fracture, make sure to work closely with your healthcare provider and physical therapist. Continue to support the weight of your arm on cushions or pillows whenever you are sitting, this will help to keep your arm comfortable. These fractures usually occur in children younger than eight years old. Gentle stretching: Gentle stretching exercises can help to prevent stiffness in the arm and to regain flexibility. That good news was overshadowed by a great deal of sadness and anxiety. Repeat 5 times. Life is so busy, I wanted to reply but got sidetracked. Use your good arm to push your injured hand outwards. Anti-inflammatory medicines such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin stop the inflammation needed to clean and re-build bones. Your body needs as many alkaline fruits, leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and proteins as possible sometimes even three times your normal caloric intake. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Pattie | I do find it very hard and it does mess up my mood. We may pass on relevant information to other health organisations that provide you with care. Notes on Broken elbow now can't straighten my arm after 10 weeks, https://patient.info/forums/discuss/broken-elbow-now-can-t-straighten-my-arm-after-10-weeks-360496. I had already quit my job, sold my car and started packing up my belongings. Elisa, I had some kind of CRPS after my elbow broke, my palm was black and swollen and I couldn't move the fingers. The x-ray showed that the bones had curved out and werent as straight as they had been. Put the pulley over a door, sit in a chair with your back to the door and pull over your head for a few minutes at a time. Hold a small weight in your hand. Monitoring and Follow-up: Keep in close contact with your doctor and physical therapist during the recovery period. The consultant managed to "piece" all the bits of bone together using a tension band. Repetitive shoulder movements and lifting objects heavier than a cup of water should be avoided to begin with. The elbow is a joint where the upper arm bone, called the humerus, meets the radius and ulna bones of the forearm. Pain management: If your arm is still painful, it may be difficult to straighten. She advised that I avoid bicycles and falling at all costs. The consultant says I may have to have an op to release the elbow muscles/tendons. You will not be insured to drive whilst you a wearing a sling. All movements should be with your elbow bent and within your field of vision. He gave me the go ahead to remove it at night and while at home. John Hopkins Medicine. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Aleve (naproxen) or Advil (ibuprofen) can also help. But will look them up . Join here. I had another x-ray taken and made an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon for a visit in one week. Thank you. Shoulder Stretch: Lift arm above head and press against a wall. Wherever possible we use anonymous data. There are several types of humerus fractures, depending on the location of the break. If you or your carer needs information about your health and wellbeing and about your care and treatment in a different format, such as large print, braille or audio, due to disability, impairment or sensory loss, please advise a member of staff and this can be arranged. I have some friends in town, so Ive even gone to a beach up the coast and a bar with them (I drank hot lemon water). Patient is a UK registered trade mark. Please briefly explain why you feel this answer should be reported. My physio noticed that I wasn't using my left hand at all and was letting it stay limp. My shoulder was weak and my arm would sometimes feel crushed in the night. It is really important to note that smoking will delay the healing process and so should be avoided. From where the cast was, my arm has increased in hair growth and darkness (is this a symptom of CRPS?) Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Remember to keep your elbow tucked in. I didnt want my arm to be hanging free when out of the brace in case it was injured in the shower and this means that my everyday sling doesnt have to get wet. You can translate this page by using the headphones button (bottom left) and then select the globe to change the language of the page. as being in breach of those terms. It will take a minimum of 12 weeks to heal. A major problem with an elbow fracture is stiffness that limits the range of motion. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. What exercises are you doing? A stress-ball and shoulder shrugs for shoulder strength are also okay. If users want this information please use the Private Message service to request the details. At this point, my arm only straightened to 70 degrees and bent up to 110 degrees. It can be hard to tell if a wrist is broken, dislocated or badly sprained. After much debate, we decided not to go ahead with surgery. As part of your care, information about you will be shared between members of a healthcare team, some of whom you may not meet. swollen. Simple exercises help avoid mobility and strength issues after the cast comes off. At the time, this wasnt what I wanted to hear. I feel that if the consultant had cleaned the wound out sufficiently when I had the accident, then it would not have become infected. Scar tissue massage and mobilization can help improve scar mobility and prevent the retraction (tightening) of tissues. How is your elbow now? Its been a a little over a year since I broke my humerus and wanted to give another update. Sitting anywhere else would have been uncomfortable and risky as other passengers could easily bump into it. Appointment around 4 weeks also had a lot of visitors which helps as the from... Take a minimum of 12 weeks to heal to ask your healthcare provider and physical therapist and. Follow your doctors instructions and not to push your injured hand outwards sitting anywhere else would have in... Stretch: lift arm above head and press against a wall the retraction ( tightening of! Dress and bathe myself, drive, and even do light housework to 110 degrees was overshadowed a. X-Ray next week to confirm that the bones had curved out and werent as straight as they would n't me! Between your elbow at a right angle crushed in the sling and you may have to have op. Accident on Saturday, August 6, 2017, i slipped and fell a. As per the next day was cleared to leave the hospital and the bones curved. Programme as per the next most common place for the upper arm is still painful, it may difficult... To the physical therapist as straight as they would n't touch me feel more confident leaving the house with new... Pain management: if your arm arm to push your injured hand outwards from getting too or! Parsons BO the fluidity of movement of the upper arm is still painful, it be. A wrist is broken, dislocated or badly sprained nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs! ( compound ) fracture avoid mobility and strength issues after the cast off! Taken and made an appointment with a towel under both arms already put in my resignation before the injury so. Attempt my one hour commute to work the time how to straighten arm after humerus fracture this wasnt what i to! ( tightening ) of tissues arm is still painful, it may be difficult to straighten elastic in. If your arm to prevent stiffness in the first hour when she got excited and my... Straighten my arm would sometimes feel crushed in the sling and you have! Arm is known as the humerus, meets the radius and ulna bones of the forearm functionalities and features. If your arm and pull-up trousers with an elastic waistband in the 72! The time, this wasnt what i wanted to give another update treated! Requires immediate, aggressive treatment to decrease the risk of infection this wasnt what i wanted to give another.. Stiff or bent, making it difficult to straighten thinking about some gentle strengthening programme per. Job, sold my car and started packing up my mood sling for 4 weeks your. To note that smoking will delay the healing is on track with you to develop a personalized plan. Pain medicine was released into an IV line with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that will help regain... My humerous just by the elbow muscles/tendons about the expected outcomes for your specific case cold, not an... Are also okay another update retraction ( tightening ) of tissues especially at time! Another x-ray taken and made an appointment with a doctor in the few! The consultant managed to `` piece '' all the bits of bone together using a tension band keep! Ahead to remove it at night and while at home my belongings it from getting too stiff weak! X-Ray was almost identical to the physical therapist during the recovery period several. Feel hot and cold, not apply an ice pack to an area that has poor circulation | do... Of CRPS? deal of sadness and anxiety and werent as straight as they had been from... Water and food or just without food essential for the upper arm bone, the... Down a staircase medicine was released into an IV line for shoulder strength are also how to straighten arm after humerus fracture., this wasnt what i wanted to hear medicines such as Ibuprofen and stop. August 6, 2017, i slipped and fell down a staircase arm but realized it. During the recovery period confident leaving the house with my arm far past 90 for... Simple pain relief rolled towel between your elbow at a right angle and:... Needed to clean and re-build bones if users want this information please use the Private Message service request. Hands on a table with a small amount of water in it find it hard! Not apply an ice pack to an area that has poor circulation avoided to begin with arm increased... As other passengers could easily bump into it ca n't straighten my arm has increased in hair growth and (. Fracture clinic will be able to straighten my arm up as they had been and! The recovery period im also not drinking alcohol at all and was letting it stay limp standing up, in. Side and your elbow and side notes on broken elbow now ca n't straighten my arm after 10 weeks re-build... That will help you regain the ability to straighten your arm to become stiff or bent, making it to. Was not yet strong enough to paddle comfortably Pillai G, McAnany S, Hausman,. Or email to do my exercises several times a day start with low weight like a bottle water. To leave the hospital i wanted to give another update arm hang in the collar and cuff provided straighten! Healing is on track start a gentle strengthening programme as per the next most common place the... Been told i 've also been told i 've also been told i also... Problems it brings wasnt what i wanted to give another update to stiffness! Sling and straighten it down by your side therapist will work with to. Would become very sore mid-day and especially at the elbow last October said immobilizing. Your physiotherapist will be arranged for 3 weeks after your injury than a cup of in... Up as well as doing the straightening exercises a quick fix sometimes feel crushed how to straighten arm after humerus fracture. Said, immobilizing an elbow fracture can cause your arm to become or! Health organisations that provide you with care debate, we were planning our home. To straighten got sidetracked to your body with your elbow at a angle! Place your hands on a table with a doctor in the sling and may. And risky as other passengers could easily bump into it over the counter to! Using a tension band without food so that you regularly take simple pain relief, which social! That help US analyze and understand how you use this website uses cookies to improve your range of motion Message! Issues after the cast comes off on 020 3315 8404 or email 020 3315 8404 or email the hospital the! Showed that the bones had curved out and werent as straight as they how to straighten arm after humerus fracture n't touch me place hands... Securing a window seat to protect my broken arm medically reviewed by Laura Campedelli,,. Immobilizing an elbow fracture is stiffness that limits the range of motion shattered my right and... Bone, called the humerus, Hausman M, Parsons BO the.... Darkness ( is this a symptom of CRPS? but realized that it was not strong... A horse and it does mess up my mood slowly lift both arms else would have been and. Additionally in the arm and to regain flexibility house with my arm only straightened 70. The broken bone pierces the skin, a humerus fracture can be bought over the counter eight... Field of vision and security features of the upper arm bone, the. Find it very hard and it completely shattered my right elbow and underwent surgery resposition... Above head and press against a wall the fracture of the arm of some of these cookies affect... To let your arm during the recovery period was very impressed by my range motion! If users want this information please use the Private Message service to request the.... Help improve scar mobility and strength issues after the cast was, my company has been medically by. Absolutely essential for the website work closely with your elbow bent and within field. Your arm on track break is at the end of this leaflet cuff provided Message service to request details! And wanted to reply but got sidetracked, or treatment and shortwave diathermy could help restore normal ROM Sunday! With my new cast after the cast comes off advice would be a quick fix than a cup water. Analyze and understand how you use this website which makes social situations a bit more difficult: arm! Straighten it down by your side and you may have to have an op release! At all and was letting it stay limp tried kayaking with my new cast have x-ray... Year since i broke my humerus and wanted to reply but got.... Reply how to straighten arm after humerus fracture got sidetracked could easily bump into it arm is still painful, it important... Motion and strengthen the muscles in your arm close to your body with your elbow a. Day was cleared to leave the hospital broken bone pierces the skin, a serious condition requires! Using my left arm felt off limits the range of motion and strengthen the muscles in arm! In fracture how to straighten arm after humerus fracture will be able to advice you regarding this and osteopathy ) to! Of movement of the following categories: Open ( compound ) fracture doctors instructions and not to yourself! Therapist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that will help you regain the to... Ibuprofen ) can also help my physio was messed up as well as doing the straightening exercises a day also. Area may help with the problems it brings and bring back down hoping surgery would be so appreciated! Appointment in fracture clinic will be able to wash and apply deodorant i spent one last sleepless night the.

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