Article: Depending on the severity of the break, you may need to call emergency services or get to a local hospital. Taking a minute to assess the situation before you take any treatment measures can help prevent further injury. You likely have a broken arm if you hear a snap or cracking sound. Other signs of a break are severe pain that may increase if you move it, swelling, bruising, deformity of the arm, or trouble turning it palm up to palm down. Call emergency services or get to the hospital as soon as possible if you notice the following: The person is unresponsive, isn't breathing or isn't moving; there is heavy bleeding; even gentle pressure or movement causes pain; the extremity of the injured arm, such as a finger, is numb or bluish at the tip; you suspect a bone is broken in the neck, head or back; if the bone breaks the surface of the skin; or if the arm is deformed. If you are unable to reach emergency services, review the following wikiHow article: How to Provide First Aid for a Broken Bone. If the break has caused bleeding, it's important to stop any bleeding as soon as possible. Apply light pressure to the area using a bandage, clean cloth, or a clean article or clothing. Make sure to call emergency services or get to the hospital if any bleeding is present. If a bone is sticking out or is deformed, do not realign it under any circumstances. Get to a doctor and stabilize the arm, both of which may help prevent further injury and discomfort. Trying to realign the bone can cause further injury and pain and will likely lead to an infection. It is very important to make sure excessive movement doesn't further damage the broken bone. Place a splint above and below the break to help stabilize it until you can get medical treatment. You can use a variety of items to make a splint including rolled up newspaper or towels. Either tape or wrap a sling around your arm to hold the splints in place. Padding on the splints may help relieve discomfort. Place an ice pack on the break after wrapping it in a towel or cloth. This can help manage the pain and swelling until you can get to the doctor. Don't apply the ice or pack directly to the skin, which can cause frostbite. Wrapping it in some kind of cloth or towel can help prevent frostbite. Leave the ice for 20 minutes at time until you can get to a hospital or doctor. Depending on the severity of your break, you may require a cast, splint, or brace to stabilize the affected area. Your doctor or local hospital can decide on the best treatment for your break. Your doctor will likely ask you a series of questions while examining the broken arm including about your symptoms, their severity, and anything that makes your pain worse. Your doctor or the hospital may order X-rays or an MRI to further help determine the best treatment. If you have a break that is a displaced fracture, your doctor may need to manipulate the bone back into place. Although this can be painful, your doctor can take steps to help you get through the procedure. Your doctor may give you a muscle relaxant or a sedative while he sets your bone. Your doctor may apply a cast, a brace, splint, or sling to wear while your arm heals.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Assess the situation. Alleviate any bleeding. Avoid realigning the bone. Stabilize the broken arm. Apply a cold pack or ice to reduce pain and swelling. See the doctor. Have the bone set.