Humerus Fracture: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
A humerus fracture is a break in the upper arm bone. It is one of the most common fractures in the body, and it can occur at any age. However, it is more common in older adults and in people with osteoporosis.
Symptoms of a humerus fracture include:
- Pain in the upper arm
- Swelling and bruising
- Inability to move the arm
- Deformity of the arm
Causes of a humerus fracture include:
- Falls
- Sports injuries
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Direct blows to the arm
Treatment for a humerus fracture depends on the severity of the fracture.
- Non-surgical treatment is often used for mild fractures. This may involve wearing a sling or cast to immobilize the arm.
- Surgery may be necessary for more severe fractures. This may involve inserting metal pins or plates into the bone to help it heal.
Recovery time for a humerus fracture varies depending on the severity of the fracture and the type of treatment.
- Non-surgical treatment typically takes 6-8 weeks to heal.
- Surgery may take 12-16 weeks to heal.
After a humerus fracture, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully. This will help you to heal properly and to prevent complications.
Here are some tips for recovering from a humerus fracture:
- Use your arm as much as possible as soon as your doctor allows. This will help to keep the muscles strong and to prevent stiffness.
- Do not lift anything heavy or do any strenuous activities until your doctor gives you the okay.
- See your doctor regularly for checkups. This will help to ensure that the fracture is healing properly.
If you have any questions or concerns about a humerus fracture, be sure to talk to your doctor. They can help you to understand your condition and to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Here are some additional tips that you can follow to improve your chances of a successful recovery from a humerus fracture:
- Get plenty of rest. This will help your body to heal.
- Eat a healthy diet. This will give you the nutrients you need to recover.
- Stay hydrated. This will help to prevent dehydration, which can slow down the healing process.
- Manage your pain. This will help you to be more comfortable and to move more easily.
- Follow your doctor's instructions. This is the most important thing you can do to ensure a successful recovery.
I hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Keywords: humerus fracture, symptoms, treatment, recovery, proximal humerus fracture, distal humerus fracture, cast, splint, surgery, range-of-motion exercises