[36M] Experiencing forearm pain and weakness after a fall

What might be happening

Based on the information provided, the following conditions could be causing your symptoms:

• Fracture: Given the recent fall and the severity of your pain, a fracture is a possibility. This could include a simple bone break or a more complex injury, such as a compound fracture (where the bone breaks through the skin) or a comminuted fracture (where the bone shatters into several pieces).

  • Treatment typically involves immobilizing the bone with a cast or splint, and sometimes surgery is required. Pain management is also an important part of treatment.

• Sprain or Strain: These are injuries to the ligaments (sprain) or muscles and tendons (strain). They can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected area.

  • Treatment usually involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help.

• Contusion (Bruise): This is caused by an impact that damages small blood vessels under the skin, causing them to bleed into the surrounding tissues and creating a mark that's often tender to the touch.

  • Treatment usually involves rest and applying a cold pack to the area.

What you can do

You should seek immediate medical attention to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. In the meantime, you can do the following:

1. Rest your arm and avoid any activities that cause pain.
2. Apply an ice pack to the area for 15 minutes every 2-3 hours to help reduce swelling.
3. Elevate your arm to help reduce swelling.
4. Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help manage the pain. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

• The pain or swelling gets worse.
• You have difficulty moving your arm.
• You notice any deformity in your arm.
• You experience numbness or tingling in your arm or hand.
• You notice your arm or hand turning blue or white.

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examinations, treatment, testing, and care recommendations.