Broken Arm (cont.)

Medical Author:

Andrew P Baniukiewicz, MD

Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

View Full Profile

When to Seek Medical Care

Call a doctor after an accident if these signs are present:

Significant pain that is not relieved by ice and home pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin)
A large amount of swelling or mild deformity of the arm compared to the opposite arm
Significant pain with use or limited use of the affected arm
Pain in one specific part of the arm when it is pressed

The doctor may advise the patient to go directly to a hospital's emergency department. Under the following conditions, go directly to the hospital for emergent care: