break or strain

[LISAB]

anyone know how to tell if your arm is strained or broken. Need a quick-ish answer on this one if possible!

[Hamish]

get an x-ray

[andy hughes]

If you typed your request with both hands, your arm is not broken! Strains can vary in intensity from a dull ache to agonising pain, and as the previous answer advises, the best thing to do is present yourself at your local A & E Department, and get an expert opinion. An initial diagnosis may confirm a strain, without the need for an X-ray, but don't risk leaving an injury, complications can cause ireversable samage..

[kiss2u]

bones sticking out in places they shouldnt be is usually a good clue...

[alisonbayne]

If in any doubt, go to your local hospital. I functioned with a broken wrist for two weeks when I was 11, so you can still do stuff (no-one believed the pain - scarred for life!!) Seriously, the NHS is still free and it's worth the wait to get it sorted out.