A forearm fracture is a break of one or both of the bones in your forearm -- including your ulna or radius. Forearm fractures can be the result of falling onto an outstretched arm, a direct collision or accident involving your arm. Forearm fractures require medical treatment to insure proper healing. Wrestling with a forearm fracture is strongly discouraged -- even if your arm is braced and protected. Sports participation with an injury can cause more damage to your arm as well as potentially injure those wrestling with you.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor. Your doctor will provide you with advice on what types of activities you can and cannot participate in with a forearm fracture. According to Aurora Health Care, it generally takes a forearm fracture eight to 10 weeks to completely heal.
Step 2
Consult with the league you wrestle for. Find out your league's policy on participation with an injury. Most leagues will not permit wrestling without the approval of your doctor and will not permit you to wrestle with a brace or cast on your arm.
Step 3
Follow your doctor's instructions. If in a cast, keep your cast clean and dry at all times. If in a brace, keep your brace on as directed.
Step 4
Participate in cross-training. With the permission of your doctor, stay in shape as you recover from your injury. Walk on a treadmill, ride a stationary bike or use an elliptical machine. These activities are low impact and will prevent jarring movements of your forearm as you exercise.
Step 5
Attend wrestling practices. Even though you cannot participate, sit in on practices. Watch your team practice and visualize your normal wrestling moves.
Step 6
Attend physical therapy. Once your cast or brace is removed, physical therapy can help to increase strength, range of motion and flexibility in your arm to help you return to wrestling.
Step 7
Participate in practices as tolerated. Once cleared by a doctor, attend practice. Practice will help prepare you to return to wrestling matches.
Tips and Warnings
- Ask your doctor or physical therapist about the use of athletic tape to help stabilize your arm as you return to wrestling.
- If pain persists as you return to wrestling, discontinue wrestling and contact your doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Cast or brace
References
- Aurora Health Care; Forearm Fracture; Mary Calvagna
- "National Academy of Sports Medicine: Essentials of Personal Fitness Training"; Scott Lucett; 2008
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