Is My Mother's Swollen Arm After Fracture a Cause for Concern?
My mother, aged 62, sustained a fracture to her right humerus on July 3. She resides alone in a small community a few hours north of Edmonton, Alberta. Due to the distance, the nearest orthopedic specialist is a two-hour drive, prompting the local clinic to place her arm in a sling while we arranged for transportation and a specialist appointment. On July 15, she was fitted with a hanging brace by the specialist, though I am unsure if that’s the exact term for it. I brought her to Ontario to stay with me during her recovery, as her physician confirmed that traveling was safe and that no surgical intervention was needed. Her next follow-up is scheduled back in Alberta for August 11. My mom is diligently adhering to the guidelines provided by her doctor, which include removing the sling three times daily to allow her arm to hang and performing gentle stretches. Although she reports no pain, the outer part of her forearm is significantly swollen, has a greenish hue, and feels unusually hard, almost resembling cartilage in texture. This has raised my concerns regarding its normalcy, and I’m uncertain if she can receive treatment at a walk-in clinic or emergency room in Ontario since she is still an Alberta resident. I have attempted to contact the hospital in Alberta where she received her specialist care, but so far, I haven’t received any response. Feedback online has been mixed; while some suggest that such swelling can be a typical aspect of the healing process, others caution that it might indicate a more serious issue. Should I consider taking her to a clinic or ER in Ontario? Would it be prudent to try to reschedule her follow-up appointment for an earlier date? Or is this swelling just a part of her recovery? Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated, particularly regarding effective methods to mitigate the swelling if it's not an urgent issue.
Answers (1)
7/30/2025, 9:20:55 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your mother's swollen arm after her fracture, especially given the changes in color and texture you described. Swelling can occur during the healing process, but the specific characteristics you're noting—such as the greenish hue and hardness—suggest that it should be evaluated further.
Understanding the Situation: While some degree of swelling and discoloration can be typical after a fracture, it is essential to monitor it closely. The hardness may indicate an accumulation of fluid or other types of changes that might require medical attention. It’s great to hear your mother is following her doctor’s instructions carefully, but given the unusual nature of the swelling, it’s necessary to address this promptly.
Next Steps:
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Seek Immediate Evaluation:
- Consider taking your mother to a walk-in clinic or the emergency room in Ontario. Despite her Alberta residency, healthcare facilities can typically assess and provide care for any urgent issues, regardless of residency. Describe her situation and symptoms clearly to ensure she receives appropriate care.
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Document Symptoms:
- Before the visit, keep a record of her symptoms—when the swelling started, any changes in color or texture, and any other relevant details. This information will assist healthcare providers in their evaluation.
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Explore Treatment for Swelling:
- While waiting for the medical evaluation, you can help her manage the swelling at home by:
- Elevation: Encourage her to keep her arm elevated above heart level whenever possible to reduce swelling.
- Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help alleviate swelling.
- Gentle Range of Motion Exercises: If allowed by her healthcare provider, continue her gentle stretches as instructed.
- While waiting for the medical evaluation, you can help her manage the swelling at home by:
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Coordinate with Specialists:
- Before the clinic visit, try to contact the specialist’s office again for any input or recommendations they may have regarding her current condition. This can help you provide them with the previous treatment context during the visit.
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Consider Rescheduling Follow-Up:
- If you believe that her condition may worsen or if there’s no improvement, you can look into rescheduling her follow-up appointment for an earlier date with her specialist.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that your mother's condition is properly assessed and managed, allowing her to recover safely and comfortably. Don’t hesitate to seek help, as being proactive about health concerns can make a significant difference.
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