What are the common symptoms of a broken hand. How is a broken hand diagnosed. What treatment options are available for a broken hand. Can a broken hand heal on its own. How long does it take for a broken hand to heal.

Understanding Broken Hand Injuries: Symptoms and Causes

A broken hand, also known as a hand fracture, occurs when one or more bones in the hand break due to trauma. This injury can affect the metacarpals (palm bones) or phalanges (finger bones). Recognizing the symptoms and understanding the causes of a broken hand is crucial for seeking timely medical attention and proper treatment.

Common Symptoms of a Broken Hand

Identifying the symptoms of a broken hand is the first step towards proper diagnosis and treatment. The severity of symptoms may vary depending on the extent of the injury, but common signs include:

• Severe pain in the affected area
• Swelling and tenderness
• Bruising around the injury site
• Difficulty moving fingers
• Numbness or stiffness in the fingers
• Increased pain when gripping or moving the hand
• Visible deformity or crooked finger(s)
• An audible snap at the time of injury

Is it possible to mistake a broken hand for a sprain? Yes, it is. Both injuries can present similar symptoms, making it challenging to differentiate between the two without professional medical assessment. While a broken hand involves bone damage, a sprained hand affects the ligaments connecting bones in a joint.

Common Causes of Hand Fractures

Hand fractures typically result from physical trauma to the hand. Some common causes include:

1. Direct blows from objects
2. Heavy force or impact
3. Crushing injuries
4. Twisting of the hand

These injuries often occur during:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Falls, especially on an outstretched hand
• Contact sports such as hockey or football
• Punching hard surfaces

Diagnosing a Broken Hand: Medical Procedures and Tests

Proper diagnosis of a broken hand is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment plan. Healthcare professionals employ various methods to accurately assess the extent and nature of the injury.

Physical Examination

The initial step in diagnosing a broken hand involves a thorough physical examination. During this process, the doctor will:

• Inspect the hand for visible signs of injury such as swelling, bruising, or deformity
• Gently palpate the affected area to assess pain and tenderness
• Evaluate the range of motion in the fingers and wrist
• Check for any signs of nerve damage or circulation issues

Medical History Assessment

Why is reviewing medical history important in diagnosing a broken hand? A comprehensive medical history helps doctors understand potential contributing factors to the injury and guides treatment decisions. The healthcare provider may inquire about:

• The circumstances surrounding the injury
• Any pre-existing conditions like osteoporosis
• Previous hand or wrist injuries
• Current medications that may affect bone healing

Imaging Tests

X-rays are the primary imaging tool used to diagnose hand fractures. They provide clear images of the bone structure, allowing doctors to:

• Identify the location and direction of the break
• Determine if multiple bones are affected
• Assess the alignment of the broken bones
• Rule out other conditions such as dislocations or sprains

In some cases, additional imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs may be ordered to provide more detailed information about the injury, especially if soft tissue damage is suspected.

Treatment Options for a Broken Hand: From Conservative Approaches to Surgery

The treatment of a broken hand aims to promote proper healing, restore function, and prevent complications. The choice of treatment depends on the severity and location of the fracture, as well as individual patient factors.

Conservative Treatment Methods

For many hand fractures, non-surgical treatments can be effective. These may include:

• Immobilization: Using casts, splints, or braces to keep the broken bones in proper alignment during healing
• Pain management: Over-the-counter or prescription medications to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation
• Ice therapy: Applying ice packs to reduce swelling and numb pain
• Elevation: Keeping the hand elevated above heart level to minimize swelling

Surgical Interventions

When is surgery necessary for a broken hand? Surgical treatment may be required in cases of:

• Severely displaced fractures
• Open fractures where the bone has pierced the skin
• Unstable fractures that cannot be properly aligned with conservative methods
• Fractures involving joints

Surgical procedures may involve:

1. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF): Realigning the bones and securing them with pins, plates, or screws
2. External fixation: Using an external frame to hold the bones in place
3. Bone grafting: Adding bone tissue to promote healing in complex fractures

Recovery and Rehabilitation: Restoring Hand Function After a Fracture

The recovery process following a hand fracture is crucial for regaining strength, flexibility, and function. The duration and intensity of rehabilitation can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the treatment received.

Typical Recovery Timeline

How long does it take for a broken hand to heal? The healing process for a hand fracture typically follows this general timeline:

• Weeks 1-3: Initial healing and pain reduction
• Weeks 4-6: Continued bone healing and possible removal of immobilization devices
• Weeks 7-12: Gradual return to normal activities and rehabilitation exercises
• Months 3-6: Further improvement in strength and function

It’s important to note that complete recovery can take several months to a year, depending on the individual case.

Rehabilitation Exercises

Physical therapy plays a vital role in the recovery process. Rehabilitation exercises may include:

1. Range of motion exercises to improve flexibility
2. Strengthening exercises to rebuild muscle and grip strength
3. Dexterity exercises to enhance fine motor skills
4. Desensitization techniques for managing pain and hypersensitivity

Patients should follow their healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and attend all scheduled therapy sessions to optimize their recovery.

Preventing Hand Fractures: Safety Measures and Precautions

While not all hand fractures can be prevented, taking certain precautions can significantly reduce the risk of injury. Implementing safety measures in various aspects of daily life and activities can help protect your hands from potential fractures.

Workplace Safety

Many hand injuries occur in the workplace. To minimize the risk of fractures:

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and hand guards
• Follow proper handling techniques for tools and machinery
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment to prevent accidents
• Attend safety training sessions and stay updated on workplace safety protocols

Sports and Recreational Activities

How can athletes protect their hands during sports? Consider these preventive measures:

1. Wear proper protective gear, including gloves or hand guards specific to your sport
2. Use correct techniques and form when participating in contact sports
3. Avoid overexertion and listen to your body to prevent fatigue-related accidents
4. Ensure equipment is well-maintained and appropriate for your skill level

General Safety Precautions

In everyday life, simple precautions can go a long way in preventing hand fractures:

• Use handrails when climbing stairs or walking on slippery surfaces
• Wear appropriate footwear to prevent falls
• Keep walkways clear of obstacles and ensure proper lighting in your home
• Exercise caution when using tools or performing manual tasks

Complications of Untreated or Improperly Treated Hand Fractures

Failing to seek proper medical attention for a broken hand or not following the prescribed treatment plan can lead to various complications. Understanding these potential issues underscores the importance of timely and appropriate care.

Malunion and Deformity

What happens if a broken hand heals incorrectly? One of the most common complications is malunion, where the bones heal in an improper alignment. This can result in:

• Visible deformity of the hand or fingers
• Reduced range of motion and flexibility
• Chronic pain and discomfort
• Difficulty performing everyday tasks

Arthritis and Joint Problems

Untreated fractures, especially those involving joints, can lead to post-traumatic arthritis. This condition may cause:

1. Chronic pain and stiffness in the affected joint
2. Swelling and inflammation
3. Reduced grip strength and dexterity
4. Progressive deterioration of joint function over time

Nerve and Soft Tissue Damage

Delayed or improper treatment can exacerbate damage to surrounding structures, including:

• Nerves: Leading to numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation
• Tendons: Causing reduced mobility and strength
• Blood vessels: Potentially compromising circulation to the affected area

These complications emphasize the importance of seeking immediate medical attention and following through with the recommended treatment plan for optimal recovery.

Living with a Broken Hand: Adapting to Daily Life During Recovery

Recovering from a hand fracture can present challenges in performing everyday tasks. Adapting to these temporary limitations and finding alternative ways to manage daily activities is crucial for maintaining independence and facilitating healing.

Practical Tips for Daily Activities

How can you manage daily tasks with a broken hand? Consider these helpful strategies:

• Use adaptive tools such as button hooks, elastic shoelaces, or jar openers
• Opt for clothing with easy-to-manage fasteners like Velcro or magnetic closures
• Prepare meals using pre-cut ingredients or easy-to-open packaging
• Use voice-to-text features for typing on phones or computers
• Ask for help with tasks that require two hands or significant strength

Emotional and Psychological Considerations

Coping with a hand injury can also have emotional impacts. It’s important to:

1. Be patient with yourself and the healing process
2. Communicate openly with family, friends, or colleagues about your limitations
3. Seek support from support groups or counseling if feeling frustrated or depressed
4. Focus on activities you can do and set realistic goals for recovery

Remember that adapting to life with a broken hand is temporary, and with proper care and patience, you will gradually return to your normal activities.

Broken Hand Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

A broken hand happens when one or more bones in your hand break as a result of an accident, fall, or contact sports. The metacarpals (long bones of the palm) and the phalanges (finger bones) make up the bones in your hand.

This injury is also known as a fractured hand. Some people may also refer to it as a break or crack.

To be diagnosed as a broken hand, the bone must be affected — one of the bones may be broken into multiple pieces, or several bones may be affected. This is different from a sprained hand, which is the result of an injury to the muscle, tendon, or ligament.

If you suspect you have a broken hand, see a doctor immediately. They can diagnose and treat your injury. The sooner you get medical attention, the better your hand can heal.

The symptoms of a broken hand depend on the severity of your injury. The most common symptoms are:

• severe pain
• tenderness
• swelling
• bruising
• difficulty moving fingers
• numb or stiff fingers
• worsening pain with movement or gripping
• crooked finger(s)
• audible snap at time of injury

Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell if your hand is broken or sprained. These injuries can cause similar symptoms, even though each one is different.

While a broken hand involves the bone, a sprained hand involves a ligament. This is the band of tissue that connects two bones in a joint. A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched or torn.

Often, this happens when you fall on an outstretched hand. It may also happen if a joint in your hand twists out of place.

A sprained hand may cause the following symptoms:

• pain
• swelling
• bruising
• inability to use the joint

If you know what injury caused your symptoms, you may be able to pinpoint what’s going on. However, the best way to know if your hand is broken or sprained is to see a doctor.

A hand fracture is caused by physical trauma, such as:

• direct blow from an object
• heavy force or impact
• crushing of the hand
• twisting of the hand

These injuries can happen during scenarios like:

• motor vehicle crashes
• falls
• contact sports, like hockey or football
• punching

If you think you have a broken hand, see a doctor immediately.

But until you can seek medication attention, there are things you can do to care for your hand. These include the following first aid procedures:

• Avoid moving your hand. Try your best to immobilize your hand. If a bone has moved out of place, don’t attempt to realign it.
• Apply ice. To reduce pain and swelling, carefully apply an ice pack or cold compress to your injury. Always wrap the ice pack in a clean cloth or towel first.
• Stop the bleeding.

The goal of broken bone first aid is to limit further injury. It can also help minimize pain and improve your recovery outlook.

If you’re bleeding, you likely have an open fracture, meaning a bone is sticking out. In this case, go to the ER right away. Until you can get help, you can stop the bleeding by applying pressure and using a clean cloth or bandage.

Visit a doctor as soon as you think you’ve broken your hand.

It’s especially important to see a doctor if you have:

• difficulty moving your fingers
• swelling
• numbness

Can a broken hand heal on its own?

A broken hand can heal by itself. But without proper treatment, it’s more likely to heal incorrectly.

Specifically, the bones might not line up properly. This is known as a malunion. It can interfere with the normal function of your hand, making it difficult to do daily activities.

If the bones are misaligned, you’ll need surgery to realign them. This can prolong the recovery process even further, so it’s important to receive the right treatment from the start.

To diagnose a broken hand, a doctor will use several tests. These include:

Physical examination

A doctor will check your hand for swelling, bruising, and other signs of damage. They might also examine the surrounding areas, like your wrist and arm. This will help them determine the severity of your injury.

Medical history

This allows the doctor to learn about any underlying conditions you may have. For example, if you have osteoporosis or a previous hand injury, they can understand what may have contributed to your injury.

If you recently been in a crash, they’ll ask about what happened and how your hand was injured.

X-ray

A doctor will have you get an X-ray. They will use this imaging test to identify the location and direction of the break.

It can also help the rule out other possible conditions, like a sprain.

The purpose of treatment is to help your hand heal correctly. With proper medical help, your hand will be more likely to return to its normal strength and function. Treatment options include:

Cast, splint, and brace

Immobilization limits unnecessary movement, which promotes proper healing. It also ensures that your bones line up correctly.

To immobilize your hand, you’ll wear a cast, splint, or brace. The best option depends on your specific injury.

Metacarpal fractures are often difficult to effectively mobilize and will likely require surgery.

Pain medication

A doctor might have you take over-the-counter medication to control pain. However, if you have a more serious injury, they might prescribe stronger pain medication.

They’ll also recommend the appropriate dose and frequency. Be sure to follow their directions.

Surgery

A broken hand usually doesn’t require surgery. But it might be necessary if your injury is severe.

You may need metal screws or pins to keep your bones in place. In certain cases, you might also need a bone graft.

Surgery is likely necessary if your injury involves:

• an open fracture, meaning the bone has pierced the skin
• a completely crushed bone
• a break extending to the joint
• loose bone fragments

Another common cause of surgery is if the bone is rotated, which can rotate your fingers as well and affect hand function.

You’ll also need surgery if your hand was already immobilized but didn’t heal correctly.

In general, broken hand recovery takes 3 to 6 weeks. You’ll have to wear the cast, splint, or brace during the entire time.

The total healing time depends on several factors, including:

• your overall health
• exact location of the break
• severity of your injury

Your doctor might have you start gentle hand therapy after 3 weeks. This can help regain strength and decrease stiffness in your hand.

You may also be asked to continue therapy after your cast has been removed.

To monitor your progress, your doctor will order multiple X-rays in the weeks after your injury. They can explain when it’s safe to return to normal activities.

If you have a broken hand, a doctor is the best person to diagnose and treat it. They’ll have you wear a cast, splint, or brace to keep your hand still. This ensures that the bone heals correctly.

As you recover, take it easy and let your hand rest. If you experience new symptoms, or if the pain doesn’t go away, let your doctor know.

Broken Hand Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

A broken hand happens when one or more bones in your hand break as a result of an accident, fall, or contact sports. The metacarpals (long bones of the palm) and the phalanges (finger bones) make up the bones in your hand.

This injury is also known as a fractured hand. Some people may also refer to it as a break or crack.

To be diagnosed as a broken hand, the bone must be affected — one of the bones may be broken into multiple pieces, or several bones may be affected. This is different from a sprained hand, which is the result of an injury to the muscle, tendon, or ligament.

If you suspect you have a broken hand, see a doctor immediately. They can diagnose and treat your injury. The sooner you get medical attention, the better your hand can heal.

The symptoms of a broken hand depend on the severity of your injury. The most common symptoms are:

• severe pain
• tenderness
• swelling
• bruising
• difficulty moving fingers
• numb or stiff fingers
• worsening pain with movement or gripping
• crooked finger(s)
• audible snap at time of injury

Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell if your hand is broken or sprained. These injuries can cause similar symptoms, even though each one is different.

While a broken hand involves the bone, a sprained hand involves a ligament. This is the band of tissue that connects two bones in a joint. A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched or torn.

Often, this happens when you fall on an outstretched hand. It may also happen if a joint in your hand twists out of place.

A sprained hand may cause the following symptoms:

• pain
• swelling
• bruising
• inability to use the joint

If you know what injury caused your symptoms, you may be able to pinpoint what’s going on. However, the best way to know if your hand is broken or sprained is to see a doctor.

A hand fracture is caused by physical trauma, such as:

• direct blow from an object
• heavy force or impact
• crushing of the hand
• twisting of the hand

These injuries can happen during scenarios like:

• motor vehicle crashes
• falls
• contact sports, like hockey or football
• punching

If you think you have a broken hand, see a doctor immediately.

But until you can seek medication attention, there are things you can do to care for your hand. These include the following first aid procedures:

• Avoid moving your hand. Try your best to immobilize your hand. If a bone has moved out of place, don’t attempt to realign it.
• Apply ice. To reduce pain and swelling, carefully apply an ice pack or cold compress to your injury. Always wrap the ice pack in a clean cloth or towel first.
• Stop the bleeding.

The goal of broken bone first aid is to limit further injury. It can also help minimize pain and improve your recovery outlook.

If you’re bleeding, you likely have an open fracture, meaning a bone is sticking out. In this case, go to the ER right away. Until you can get help, you can stop the bleeding by applying pressure and using a clean cloth or bandage.

Visit a doctor as soon as you think you’ve broken your hand.

It’s especially important to see a doctor if you have:

• difficulty moving your fingers
• swelling
• numbness

Can a broken hand heal on its own?

A broken hand can heal by itself. But without proper treatment, it’s more likely to heal incorrectly.

Specifically, the bones might not line up properly. This is known as a malunion. It can interfere with the normal function of your hand, making it difficult to do daily activities.

If the bones are misaligned, you’ll need surgery to realign them. This can prolong the recovery process even further, so it’s important to receive the right treatment from the start.

To diagnose a broken hand, a doctor will use several tests. These include:

Physical examination

A doctor will check your hand for swelling, bruising, and other signs of damage. They might also examine the surrounding areas, like your wrist and arm. This will help them determine the severity of your injury.

Medical history

This allows the doctor to learn about any underlying conditions you may have. For example, if you have osteoporosis or a previous hand injury, they can understand what may have contributed to your injury.

If you recently been in a crash, they’ll ask about what happened and how your hand was injured.

X-ray

A doctor will have you get an X-ray. They will use this imaging test to identify the location and direction of the break.

It can also help the rule out other possible conditions, like a sprain.

The purpose of treatment is to help your hand heal correctly. With proper medical help, your hand will be more likely to return to its normal strength and function. Treatment options include:

Cast, splint, and brace

Immobilization limits unnecessary movement, which promotes proper healing. It also ensures that your bones line up correctly.

To immobilize your hand, you’ll wear a cast, splint, or brace. The best option depends on your specific injury.

Metacarpal fractures are often difficult to effectively mobilize and will likely require surgery.

Pain medication

A doctor might have you take over-the-counter medication to control pain. However, if you have a more serious injury, they might prescribe stronger pain medication.

They’ll also recommend the appropriate dose and frequency. Be sure to follow their directions.

Surgery

A broken hand usually doesn’t require surgery. But it might be necessary if your injury is severe.

You may need metal screws or pins to keep your bones in place. In certain cases, you might also need a bone graft.

Surgery is likely necessary if your injury involves:

• an open fracture, meaning the bone has pierced the skin
• a completely crushed bone
• a break extending to the joint
• loose bone fragments

Another common cause of surgery is if the bone is rotated, which can rotate your fingers as well and affect hand function.

You’ll also need surgery if your hand was already immobilized but didn’t heal correctly.

In general, broken hand recovery takes 3 to 6 weeks. You’ll have to wear the cast, splint, or brace during the entire time.

The total healing time depends on several factors, including:

• your overall health
• exact location of the break
• severity of your injury

Your doctor might have you start gentle hand therapy after 3 weeks. This can help regain strength and decrease stiffness in your hand.

You may also be asked to continue therapy after your cast has been removed.

To monitor your progress, your doctor will order multiple X-rays in the weeks after your injury. They can explain when it’s safe to return to normal activities.

If you have a broken hand, a doctor is the best person to diagnose and treat it. They’ll have you wear a cast, splint, or brace to keep your hand still. This ensures that the bone heals correctly.

As you recover, take it easy and let your hand rest. If you experience new symptoms, or if the pain doesn’t go away, let your doctor know.

What to do if you break your arm? — Articles “Aerodar-Med”

January 8,

No one is immune from injuries. Every day, dozens of people get bruises, abrasions, fractures. The latter are especially dangerous. After a violation of the integrity of the bones, they can grow together incorrectly, and the limb will never fully restore its function. In case of such injuries, you should always consult a doctor, but it is important to orient yourself in time and provide first aid to yourself or the victim.

Fractures of the arms – the most frequent, including metacarpal, radius and humerus in the neck. They are subdivided into:

1. Open – with a violation of the integrity of the skin, when there is a wound from which blood flows. Accompanied by severe pain.

2. Closed – without breaking the integrity of the skin. There may be bruising near the fracture. The bone can break completely, or a crack forms in it.

Fractures are classified into multiple and isolated – according to the number of damaged bones. Depending on the fracture line: longitudinal, stellate, helical, oblique, transverse, comminuted.

A fracture is rarely life threatening, but still requires immediate medical attention. An open fracture is obvious and dangerous with infection and bleeding, a closed one can sometimes be confused with a bruise.

Symptoms for suspecting a fracture:

• sharp pain, aggravated by motion;

• impossibility of movements in a limb;

• abnormal mobility of the bone, deformity of the hand at the site of injury;

• crepitus – crunchiness of the bone with light pressure on it;

• bleeding or bruising;

• edema, swelling at the site of injury;

• limb cold to touch;

• fever;

• pale skin.

If you have more than one of these symptoms, you should call an ambulance or, if you feel well, go to the emergency room yourself. There they will examine the hand, take an x-ray in several projections.

What should be done in case of a fracture?

Fractures of the hand, finger and arm are common in everyday life, so you need to know what measures to take. With a closed fracture, it is important to immobilize the limb in time – to immobilize it, otherwise, with careless movements, the fracture may become open. To do this, you should take a tire or a board, plywood, a thick branch and fix the arm to the body in a bent position over the clothes with a bandage. If there are doubts and suspicions of a dislocation, it cannot be set on its own.

If the fracture is open, the first step is to stop the bleeding. To do this, a tourniquet is applied to the arm through the tissue. A note is placed under it with the overlay time. In winter, the tourniquet is applied for 30 minutes, in the warm season – for 2 hours. If transportation takes longer, you need to loosen the tourniquet for a few minutes and fix it again so that there is no oxygen starvation of the tissues. If the bleeding is arterial, the blood pulsates and has a bright red tint, then the arm is bandaged above the injury site. If the blood is dark cherry in color and simply flows out, then the area below the injury is bandaged. Around the skin must be treated with an antiseptic. First, it is better to take hydrogen peroxide and pour it abundantly, then treat the area around the wound with iodine or brilliant green, put a bandage or gauze bandage on top. This will help avoid festering.

Next, you need to deliver the victim to the hospital with a fixed arm, immobilizing it as much as possible. It is best to remove all jewelry and tight-fitting clothing. When swelling starts, things will have to be torn or broken.

What should not be done in case of a fracture?

In trying to help, sometimes you can harm the victim, so you need to know what to do is dangerous:

• damaged bone cannot be set;

• no need to move the victim without fixing the arm;

• if there is no understanding of how to use the tire, in what position the hand should be, it is better not to touch the person and wait for the ambulance;

• do not give food, water, medicines;

• damage cannot be ignored if a hematoma has formed and there is pain during hand movements. You need to take an x-ray and consult a doctor. Self-treatment of fractures is unacceptable. It can lead to the development of infection, improper adhesion and dysfunction of the limb, its shortening or lengthening. The main task is to respond quickly. Further assistance should be provided by a qualified specialist. When you contact our paid ambulance, you will receive high-quality assistance from doctors with many years of experience.

What to do if you broke your arm – You Searched

You can break your arm when you fall, hit and other incidents. We tell you how to distinguish a fracture from a bruise, what to do before the ambulance arrives, and how to reduce the risk of complications.

A fracture can only be diagnosed by a doctor

Just because your arm hurts, it doesn’t mean it’s broken. A closed fracture can be confused with a bruise, because the symptoms are the same: pain, swelling, bruising. But with a fracture, it is impossible to move the arm, and with a bruise, movements are possible, although painful.

Sometimes the bone does not break completely. It remains intact, but a crack forms in it. At the same time, pain and swelling also appear, but you can move your hand.

The only way to tell a fracture from a bruise is to take an x-ray.

In case of a fracture, call an ambulance

A fracture cannot be cured on its own. Even if the bone grows together, the fragments can stand up incorrectly. It will be difficult to move your hand normally and do the usual things: it hurts even to hold a spoon.

To restore the mobility of the arm, you will have to undergo an operation – in fact, to break the arm again and collect the bone fragments correctly. It is expensive and takes time to recover. Therefore, in the event of a fracture, you should immediately call an ambulance.

What to do before the doctor arrives:

• Do not move your hand so as not to injure yourself further. For example, sit or lie down so that the hand remains motionless. You can put your hand on a pillow or make a scarf out of a scarf.
• Remove clothing from injury – Ask someone to help remove or cut clothing. If the edema increases or bleeding occurs, it is immediately visible. You also need to remove rings and bracelets – if swelling appears, it will be more difficult to do this.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain. For a compress, you can take ice or a bag of frozen food, wrap it in a cloth and attach it to your hand. You can not apply a compress to the skin.

The photo shows a special medical compress that can be ordered online and stored in the freezer. In an emergency, even a towel soaked in cold water will do. Source: Shutterstock/Fotodom

• Stop bleeding, if any. To do this, you need to press the artery above the bleeding site and apply a pressure bandage. For dressing, it is better to use a sterile bandage. If you don’t have a bandage, a piece of clean cloth will do. On top you need to put a roller of gauze or cotton wool and fix it well.

Before the arrival of the doctor it is forbidden:

• Move the injured arm.
• Touch the wound.
• Treat the wound, for example with alcohol, iodine or brilliant green – this can cause a burn and severe pain.
• Eat and drink. A fracture may require emergency surgery under anesthesia, and before it the stomach must be empty.

Getting to the emergency room on your own

If you have to get to the hospital on your own, you need to put a splint on your arm first.

The tire can be made from scrap materials. It can be any solid straight object: a board, a stick, a strip of metal, or at least a rolled up newspaper.

How to fit a splint

If there are no improvised materials for the splint, the broken arm can be bandaged to the body.