When You Break an Arm: What to Expect

The title here isn't meant to suggest that breaking an arm is such a routine thing to do.

Walking a dog and breaking an arm are definitely not compatible cousins of daily life.

Indeed, if you would happen to break an arm you would find it to be right up there in the pain department.

On my first day of gymnastics practice, I found this out by having a trampoline fold back and fall on my hand. This effectively broke my radius and ulnar bones in one quick snap.

I'm one of those rare people whose fingertips have touched the crease of their elbow.

Aside from turning this into a high school memoir, there are certain things to expect when you [Heaven forbid!] break an arm.

Hopefully, the things you learn here will help you just in case.

Being in Shock

The suddenness of breaking an arm will lead you to literally see red. It's most likely shock, and it seems to cause the whole source of blood in your body to rearrange itself from the arm to your head and back again.

The Help of Others

"I think it's just dislocated." This is the fine advice I received from the gymnastics coach as he was driving me to the hospital. He knew it was bad, but didn't want me to panic.

The point here is that, when you break an arm, you want to be surrounded by people who can remain calm and reassuring.

Getting it Fixed

Next stop? You guessed it--the emergency room! By this time, you are fully aware that you've broken an arm and are waiting for the doctor to come and fix it.

**A side note: just hope you've changed your socks for that day**

The trained doctor simply snaps the bones back into place and puts a cast on your wounded wing.

The Recovery Process

When you break an arm and have it set and put in a cast, you can expect it to really hurt for about a week.

Then, the recovery process drags out into weeks of monotony. You can't wash the arm and it itches.

Luckily, people are generally sympathetic and will want to sign your cast.

After the cast comes off, it will up to you to decide whether or not to get back up on that old horse again--or, in my case, a trampoline!

In sum, when you break an arm you will know it instantly. There is, however, a predictable process of treatment and recovery which might offer you some comfort.

Remember, doctors are there to fix broken bones and friends are there to sign casts.

Source: Personal Experience