How do I know if bone is fractured, or is soft tissue damage?

[NamelessEnsign]

I was out running today and slipped in some mud, landing heavily on my forearm on the curb at the side of the road. My arm took the brunt of it, but I have bruised my knees and skinned my other palm.

There’s a big graze and a fair amount of bruising and swelling. Where my arm is usually concave on the side, it is swollen to convex. I haven’t wanted to use that arm and it feels hot where it is swollen - but I can move my wrist and fingers without pain, and it only hurts if I flex my wrist to the side.

I know no one can possibly know without an X-ray. But I live a long way from the hospital (there is a minor injuries, but X-ray will be closed) and since I don’t have debilitating pain, I feel like I might be a bit of a drama llama about it.

I am under a lot of work stress at the moment and not making smart decisions, so please forgive the post.

Definitely go and get seen

Here, your GP can refer you for an x-ray and if you have a GP referral you go straight into the x-ray queue. It is often quicker to go to the GP emergency drop in appointment and get a referral than sit in a&e for hours on end.

I think you should go OP

Thanks folks. Decided to go to nearby MIU now - at least they can assess it. Thank you all very much for being kind.

Hope you don't have to wait too long!

Good luck OP. Glad your getting it looked at.

I think you are doing the right thing to get it looked at, OP. Hope you don't have to wait too long wherever you end up!

I was just coming on to join the chorus to get it checked. Glad you’re on your way, I hope you aren’t waiting too long.

Thank you so much, lovely MNers. MIL pitched in to make sure the kids were safe in bed, and DH drove me in.

MIU was fairly empty so I was seen within about 30 mins. The nurse definitely wants it x-rayed so I will be seen tomorrow morning. She cleaned it up and gave me an iodine dressing and a sling. It still feels so hot, and is still swelling, but I’m glad it has been treated.

I am now trying to rearrange meetings/calls/school drop off etc and I will be able to get an X-ray before MIU officially opens at 10am. And thankfully DH is around to help tomorrow.

My word, it aches now!

Knew exercising was bad for you....

Fishes, my many injuries over the last month lead me to agree with you!

keep it elevated to reduce the swelling.
lots of pillows etc.

hope you will be able to sleep well.

Hope you get some sleep tonight OP, and the x-ray tomorrow goes well.

I didn’t sleep very well! Despite taking codeine at bedtime. I kept waking up in pain.

Had a very civilised MIU X-ray this morning. There’s nothing showing up but there’s enough swelling that they were surprised! So I have to both rest and keep it moving. And not drive for a bit.

I’m thoroughly exhausted tbh but am going to work from home today. Thanks for all the support!

Sorry about the lack of sleep OP, yes that does sound similar advice to my daughter's - rest but mobilise. I have to say, hers wasn't as swollen as yours (different area of the body) but the bruises are still there a week later and it's still painful - and was more painful nearer the time!

Plenty of painkillers, will also help with reducing the swelling too - sending good vibes to you!

Hope it feels much better soon. x

Hi all, just an update after a couple of weeks - the arm is much improved and I can use it properly. Most of the bruising has gone now, and the wound has healed. I have a tonne of scar tissue forming a big painful lump, so I’m working on massaging it every day. I think it is getting better! Thanks much for the support.

Good to hear that it has improved for you OP. Keep up the massaging!