Our bodies are made up of 206 bones, only 6 of which are in our arms. Along with the 6 bones, our arms are made up of muscles, joints, tendons and other connective tissue. Injuries to any of these parts of the arm can occur during sports, a fall, an accident or even just repetitive use. Older adults are more likely to injure themselves because the older we get the more we lose muscle mass and bone strength. Also, older adults have more problems with vision and balance, which increases their chances of having an accidental injury.
The chance of injury is higher in contact sports (such as wrestling, football, or soccer) and in high-speed sports (such as biking, inline skating, skiing, snowboarding, and skateboarding). Forearms, wrists, hands, and fingers are injured most often. An injury to the end of a long bone near a joint may harm the growth plate and needs to be checked by a doctor. If you have experienced an injury or have symptoms you believe may be related to overuse, get a referral from your primary care physician and contact our office today to talk to Dr. Swafford about treatment options.
Acute Injuries
Acute injuries come on suddenly and may be caused by a direct blow, a penetrating injury, or a fall or from twisting, jerking, jamming, or bending a limb abnormally. Pain may be sudden and severe. Acute injuries usually require prompt medical evaluation and may include:
- Bruises
- Sprains
- Tendon injuries
- Strains
- Muscle ruptures
- Fractures
- Dislocations
Treatment depends on the severity and the location of the injury, your age, and when the injury occurred.
Overuse Injuries
Certain exercises — such as swimming or golf — that do not cause substantial stress on the body can lead to overuse injuries because of their repetitive nature. Sometimes overuse injuries can also be caused by overdoing an activity. Overuse injuries include:
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
- Stress fractures
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Treatment depends on the severity and the location of the injury, your age, and when the injury occurred.
I Have an Arm Injury, What Should I Do?
If you have experienced an injury to the upper extremities and would like to seek treatment, get a referral from your doctor and contact our office today to schedule an appointment. Treatment may include using a brace, a splint, or cast; setting a broken bone or returning a dislocated joint to its normal position; physical therapy, medicines, and in some cases surgery. Dr. Swafford would be happy to discuss your symptoms with you and to help you plan the best course of action.
