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Suggest Remedies For Radial Head Fracture In Right Arm
Question: Hi, two weeks ago today I fell skateboarding and fractured my radial head in my right arm. I went to the hospital and they put me in a sling. Two days ago I had a referral to go to the fracture clinic. When I went, they re x-rayed my arm and then tried to fully straighten and bend my arm with no luck. I've read about how people with radial head fractures should be able to fully extend and bend their arm without much issues, however I cannot fully straighten my arm because it feels like there is something catching/putting pressure/stuck behind my elbow/not letting me fully extend my arm (that's kind of the only way I can describe it). I've tried gently pushing it further with no luck at all, it just gives me more pain and will not budge at all. I also cannot bend it up to my shoulder. When I bend it up to my shoulder it goes at an angle which I cannot straighten. I'm starting to really worry that I can't move it and that I am never going to be able to fully bend and extend my arm. I am right handed too which makes it worse. Could there be anything that the doctor in the hospital has missed? Because I have not been able to fully extend my arm once since it happened
Brief Answer:
It will lose full range of movement. Its commonly seen
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
Radial head fracture is quite common fracture occurring at elbow region.
As they have put only sling, I assume it is slight fracture not needing any surgical correction.
I am afraid to say that even smallest fracture at elbow joint will have some effect on the range of motion of the joint as its very delicate joint comprising of 3 different bones coming at one place.
You have to exercise very slowly and gradually. The maximum allowable range of motion by your joint may take upto 6 weeks.
You have to be patient with it and follow the exercise and physiotherapy as told by the doctors.
Yes as you experienced you can flex your elbow fully but there will be difficulty for full extension. That is expected.
Do not overdo or over extend your arm. Its already fractured, you will displace the bones before they heal and cause secondary fracture.
Just reach the maximum allowed extension and slowly try to increase the range, it should help with time.
Bear in mind, fracture healing is long process and its going to take atleast 1 month time.
I hope I have answered your query well.
If you have any other question kindly ask me.
Thank you
It will lose full range of movement. Its commonly seen
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
Radial head fracture is quite common fracture occurring at elbow region.
As they have put only sling, I assume it is slight fracture not needing any surgical correction.
I am afraid to say that even smallest fracture at elbow joint will have some effect on the range of motion of the joint as its very delicate joint comprising of 3 different bones coming at one place.
You have to exercise very slowly and gradually. The maximum allowable range of motion by your joint may take upto 6 weeks.
You have to be patient with it and follow the exercise and physiotherapy as told by the doctors.
Yes as you experienced you can flex your elbow fully but there will be difficulty for full extension. That is expected.
Do not overdo or over extend your arm. Its already fractured, you will displace the bones before they heal and cause secondary fracture.
Just reach the maximum allowed extension and slowly try to increase the range, it should help with time.
Bear in mind, fracture healing is long process and its going to take atleast 1 month time.
I hope I have answered your query well.
If you have any other question kindly ask me.
Thank you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Deepak
So if i continually exercise everyday (gently, not pushing it) ill be able to regain more movement and extension in my arm? To where it isnt going to hinder everyday activities?
Brief Answer:
Yes. Kindly read ahead
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for following up with me.
Yes you have to continually exercise gently and not to push it hard. Whenever fracture occurs, the tissues surrounding it like muscles, tendons and ligaments undergo swelling and they try to restrict the bone movement so as to give the part some rest and help it heal. This is how our body is meant to react naturally.
Hence take it slow and increase gradually.
I cannot tell whether you will reach full range of movement or not but it will reach maximum angle at which you will be able to do your everyday activities without any problem.
So bear with it and give it time.
I hope this helps your doubt.
Any more questions are welcome.
Thank you
Yes. Kindly read ahead
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for following up with me.
Yes you have to continually exercise gently and not to push it hard. Whenever fracture occurs, the tissues surrounding it like muscles, tendons and ligaments undergo swelling and they try to restrict the bone movement so as to give the part some rest and help it heal. This is how our body is meant to react naturally.
Hence take it slow and increase gradually.
I cannot tell whether you will reach full range of movement or not but it will reach maximum angle at which you will be able to do your everyday activities without any problem.
So bear with it and give it time.
I hope this helps your doubt.
Any more questions are welcome.
Thank you
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Naveen Kumar
Answered by
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