Arm Injuries
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Is your arm painful or tender after an injury?
See significance of pain or tenderness if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Do you have severe pain?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have moderate pain that is getting worse?
Yes Is a young child carefully protecting or refusing to use his or her arm?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have moderate pain that has not gotten better after 24 hours of home treatment?
Yes Do you have mild pain when you move or lift your arm after 48 hours of home treatment?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC | Last Updated: August 31, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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