Signs of a forearm sprain include pain, bruising, and swelling. A forearm sprain can be a sports injury, or caused by exercise or abnormal twisting of the arm during physical activity. Although sprains are usually minor, a severe sprained forearm can cause significant disability, leading to prolonged sessions of physical or occupational therapy. Depending on the severity of the sprain, recovery times can range from one week to 12 weeks.
A sprain can be caused by a sudden or unexpected movement and can occur when the body does not warm up enough before exercising. Exercising while fatigued can also cause a sprain. An MRI or X-ray may be used to diagnose a sprained forearm, however, traditional X-rays are generally not effective in diagnosing soft tissue injuries. When an injury occurs, immediate medical evaluation and treatment can improve the outcome, as delaying treatment can cause further damage to the surrounding ligaments and other structures in the forearm.
Taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication or other pain reliever may help ease the symptoms of a forearm sprain. Although pain relievers such as acetaminophen-based pain relievers can help reduce pain, they do little to reduce swelling and inflammation. Ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen sodium can help reduce swelling and pain, but they can cause abnormal bleeding and upset stomach. Rarely, anti-inflammatory drugs can cause kidney damage and can even lead to kidney failure.
Icing your sprained forearm can also help reduce pain and swelling. Combined with anti-inflammatory medications, ice can help speed recovery and improve circulation. Ice should never be applied directly to the skin, and should be wrapped in a soft cloth or placed in an ice pack. Wrapping the forearm can also help relieve symptoms and stabilize the arm while it is healing. The compression bandage should not be applied too tightly to avoid impeding circulation and hampering recovery.
Elevating your arm higher than your heart can also help reduce swelling. Although most people respond well to over-the-counter pain relievers, some may require prescription pain relievers. These medications are usually based on codeine or opioids and can cause side effects, including profound drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision. Also, it can cause stomach upset, constipation and headache. Driving and operating dangerous machinery should be avoided when taking prescription medications and should only be taken when closely monitored by a healthcare professional.