Broken Arm (cont.)

When to Seek Medical Care

Call your 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

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

• Visible bone sticking out through the skin
  
  
• Heavy bleeding from an open wound
  
  
• Complete lack of movement or sensation of part of the arm
  
  
• Obvious deformity that looks drastically different from the usual appearance
  
  
• Loss of consciousness
  
  
• Many other injuries

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