A forearm fracture happens when one or both bones in your forearm break. This type of injury often results from a fall, a direct hit to the arm, or an accident during physical activity.
It may be easy to notice and can cause:
- Sudden pain in your forearm
- Swelling or bruising
- Tenderness to the touch
- Difficulty rotating or using your arm
- A visible deformity in more severe cases
How serious is it?
The severity of a forearm fracture depends on which bone is broken and where the break occurs.
- Minor fractures still allow limited arm movement, though pain and weakness are common.
- More significant fractures can restrict movement at the wrist or elbow and make everyday use of the arm difficult.
What does recovery look like?
Most forearm fractures heal with proper care, but recovery depends on the type of break.
- X-rays are commonly used to better understand the injury.
- Care may involve supporting the arm with a cast or splint, while injuries where the bones are no longer aligned may require surgery.
- Healing can take several weeks, and therapy is often used afterward to help regain strength and motion.