Arm Injuries: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Are you having trouble moving your arm normally after an injury?

See significance of inability to move an arm normally after an injury 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 any of the following questions.

Yes

Are you unable to move your arm?

Yes

Do you have severe pain?

Yes

Are you unable to move your arm normally after having a brace, cast, or splint applied (not because the splint is in the way)? Note: See care for a cast or splint.

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

Are you still having trouble moving your arm normally after 48 hours of home treatment?

Yes

Do you have decreased strength in 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.

Last updated:	July 28, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer