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Contents
  • The Pain Game
  • The Visual Clues
  • The Movement Dilemma
  • The Hidden Dangers

Ouch! Recognizing the Signs of a Proximal Humeral Fracture

Ouch! Recognizing the Signs of a Proximal Humeral Fracture

The Telltale Signs

Proximal humeral fractures can be sneaky, but they often come with some clear warning signs. Knowing what to look for can help you get the right treatment quickly.
Contents
  • The Pain Game
  • The Visual Clues
  • The Movement Dilemma
  • The Hidden Dangers

The Pain Game

The hallmark symptom of a proximal humeral fracture is pain - and not just any pain. We're talking about moderate to severe shoulder pain that gets worse when you try to move your arm. It's the kind of pain that makes you want to keep your arm still and close to your body.

The Visual Clues

Your eyes can tell you a lot about a potential fracture. Look out for swelling around the shoulder area - it can happen pretty quickly after the injury. You might also notice bruising, which can appear within hours or days. In severe cases, there might even be a visible deformity in the shoulder area.
Symptoms of a proximal humeral fracture include severe shoulder pain, swelling, bruising, and potential deformity.

The Movement Dilemma

Trying to move your arm? It's likely to be a challenge. People with proximal humeral fractures often find it difficult or impossible to raise their arm or rotate their shoulder. You might feel like your shoulder is 'stuck' or that any movement causes intense pain.

The Hidden Dangers

While less common, it's important to be aware of potential complications. In some cases, a fracture can affect nerves or blood vessels near the shoulder. Watch out for numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arm or hand, as these could be signs of nerve damage. Similarly, if your arm feels cold or looks pale, it could indicate a vascular issue.

FAQs

Can I have a fracture without visible bruising?

Yes, bruising may not appear immediately or at all in some cases.

How soon after injury do symptoms appear?

Pain and difficulty moving usually occur immediately after the injury.

Can the pain come and go?

While pain may fluctuate, it typically remains constant until treated.

Is a 'popping' sound during injury a sign of fracture?

It can be, but isn't always present. Seek medical attention if you hear it.

Can symptoms worsen over time?

Yes, swelling and bruising may increase in the days following injury.

Listen to Your Body

Your body often knows best - if you're experiencing these symptoms after a fall or injury, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
Worried about shoulder pain or mobility issues? Chat with Doctronic now to assess your symptoms and get personalized advice on next steps.
Additional References
  1. Visser CP, Coene LN, Brand R, Tavy DL. Nerve lesions in proximal humeral fractures. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2001; 10:421.
  2. Court-Brown CM, Garg A, McQueen MM. The epidemiology of proximal humeral fractures. Acta Orthop Scand 2001; 72:365.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.