Minor arm injuries are common. Symptoms often are caused by everyday wear and tear, overuse, or an injury. Arm injuries are often caused by:
Your child may injure an arm during sports or play or from accidental falls. The chance of having an injury is higher in contact sports, such as wrestling, football, or soccer. It's also higher in high-speed sports, such as biking, in-line skating, skiing, snowboarding, and skateboarding. Forearms, wrists, hands, and fingers are injured most often. An injury to the end of a long bone near a joint may harm the growth plate. It needs to be checked by a doctor.
Older adults have a greater chance for injuries and broken bones. That's because they lose muscle mass and bone strength (osteoporosis) as they age. Older adults also have more problems with vision and balance. This makes them more likely to have an accidental injury.
Most minor injuries will heal on their own, and home treatment is usually all that's needed.
Acute injuries come on suddenly. They may be caused by a direct blow, a penetrating injury, or a fall. Or they may occur when you twist, jerk, jam, or bend a limb abnormally. Pain may be sudden and severe. Bruising and swelling may start soon after the injury. Acute injuries usually need prompt medical care. They include:
Overuse injuries occur when stress is placed on a joint or other tissue. This often happens when you overdo or repeat an activity. Overuse injuries include:
Treatment for an arm injury may include first aid (such as using a brace, splint, or cast), "setting" a broken bone or returning a dislocated joint to its normal position, physical therapy, and medicines. In some cases, surgery is needed. Treatment depends on:
Most minor arm injuries will heal on their own, and home treatment is usually all that's needed. But if you think that you might have a more severe injury, use first aid until you can be seen by a doctor.
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