Arm Injuries
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Are you having trouble moving your arm normally after an injury?
See significance of inability to move an arm normally after an injury if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Are you unable to move your arm?
Yes Do you have severe pain?
Yes Are you unable to move your arm normally after having a brace, cast, or splint applied (not because the splint is in the way)? Note: See first aid for a cast or splint that may be too tight.
Yes Is a young child carefully protecting or refusing to use his or her arm?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Are you still having trouble moving your arm after 48 hours of home treatment?
Yes Do you have decreased strength in your arm after 48 hours of home treatment?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC | Last Updated: August 31, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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