Is my forearm broken?

[Corey_41]

I have a pain in my left forearm, if I put my arm palm down on a table in front of me the pain is on the outer side.
At work I have to lift heavy bags and toss them in to the back of a truck all day. Whenever I pick up a heavy bag it doesn't hurt my arm, but when I throw it in the back of the truck and the wieght is released I get a sharp pain. After doing it all day the area where it hurts starts to become very tender to touch. I tried not using that arm for anything heavy for a couple of months and it went away, but as soon as I started using it again the pain came back. Is my forearm broken or is it something else?

[CHIN_C]

A repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a gradual buildup of damage to muscles, tendons, and nerves caused by repetitive motion and overuse. You had mentioned you had tried not using that arm for anything heavy for a couple of months. That is a good first step. You should continue to avoid heavy lifting with that arm, or alternate which arm you use, or take more frequent breaks. Speak to your employer or occupational health representative to see if you can modify your tasks or transfer to another department which does not involve heavy lifting. If pain and loss of function are limiting your activities of daily living, you should seek medical help. Your doctor may advise taking pain medications such as NSAIDs, applying heat or cold packs, and/or wearing elastic supports or splits. You may also benefit from rehabilitation programs consisting of exercise programs to stretch and strengthen the area as well as conditioning exercises to help prevent further injury.

[Sara_MHModerator]

Hello and welcome to the forum.  Sorry you have this pain.  You should see a doctor as soon as possible and if it becomes chronic pain and swollen, then the emergency room may not be a bad idea.  It very well could also be a sprain which involves ligaments in the area.  This can also have swelling, bruising and pain with it.  Pain level is not always the best way to tell if it is fractured or sprained.  You most likely will need an x ray.  Please see a doctor to determine what is going on.