What is a limb injury?

A limb injury is any injury to a limb — either a leg or arm, or to the toes and fingers.

Types of limb injuries include:

• broken bones — cracked or fractured bones, e.g. a broken arm
• dislocations — when a bone has been moved or dislodged, e.g. a dislocated shoulder
• sprain — an injury to ligaments e.g. a sprained ankle
• strains — an injury to muscles, e.g. a strained thigh
• injuries to the nail
• bruising — bleeding in or under the skin

What are the symptoms of limb injuries?

Signs of limb injury can vary, depending on the type of injury.

• Broken bones — symptoms include severe pain, restricted or no movement in the affected limb, change of shape of the limb, discolouration, tenderness and swelling.
• Dislocation — the joint will look out of place and there may be swelling, bruising, discolouration, numbness, weakness, pain and inability to move.
• Sprain — symptoms include swelling, pain, bruising to the area and loss of mobility.
• Strain — symptoms are sharp, sudden pain in the affected area and loss of power.
• Bruise — there will be coloured marks caused by bleeding in or under the skin.

If you have a limb injury, you may also have damaged nerves or blood vessels in the area. Signs of nerve damage include:

• pins and needles
• numbness
• loss of movement.

Signs of damage to blood vessels include coldness and paleness.

In some cases, signs of limb injury may indicate that there is something else wrong.

For example:

• pain felt in the shoulder may be a sign of a heart problem
• pain in the hip may indicate a compressed nerve in the back
• painful feet may be a sign of nerve damage (neuropathy)

What causes limb injuries?

There are many different causes of limb injuries, including sports, manual labour or simple trips and falls.

Serious limb injuries, such as broken bones and dislocations, can be caused by contact with a large force (such as a blow to the body) or a heavy fall.

More minor limb injuries can result when:

• a muscle or ligament moves beyond its normal range — for example, when you roll over on your ankle
• there is an impact on the body — for example, stubbing your toe or slamming your finger in a door

When should I see a doctor?

If you have a serious injury, seek medical attention.

See a doctor if:

• you think you may have a broken bone or dislocation (DO NOT attempt to straighten or move a bone that appears out of place or misshapen)
• you think you may have nerve or blood vessel damage
• your injury does not get better over time, or gets worse
• there are signs of soft tissue infection such as pain, swelling, redness or pus

How are limb injuries diagnosed?

To diagnose a limb injury, your doctor will talk to you about the injury and then examine you. You may need further imaging tests such as an x-ray to identify any damage caused by the injury.

How are limb injuries treated?

First aid

After a limb injury, you can take immediate steps to start treatment, before you see your doctor.

If you are bleeding, cover the area with a clean cloth or bandage and apply consistent pressure to stop the bleeding.

If you think you have a fracture:

• Immobilise the limb by placing a padded splint along the injured limb. If it is a leg injury, immobilise the foot and ankle as well.
• Support the limb while you are bandaging it.
• Keep the splint in place by passing the bandages above and below the break to prevent movement.
• Tie the bandages firmly and away from the injured side of the body. Make sure the bandages are not too tight.
• Seek medical help.

If think you you have a dislocation:

• If it is a shoulder injury, support the arm as comfortably as possible.
• If it is a wrist injury, support the wrist in a sling.
• Put a cold pack directly over the injured joint. Avoiding direct contact with the skin by placing fabric (such as a towel) between the skin and the cold pack.
• Seek medical help.
• If the circulation is affected in the limb — if it becomes numb, pale or cold to touch, call an ambulance on triple zero (000).

If you have a strain or sprain: Follow the ‘RICER’ method to relieve pain and reduce swelling.

• Rest: Avoid moving the limb.
• Ice: Apply an icepack to the sore area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Use an icepack or bag of frozen peas covered in a clean cloth (to prevent direct contact with the skin). Repeat every 2 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days.
• Compression: Bandage the area firmly.
• Elevation: Keep the limb raised.
• Referral: Have the injury checked by your doctor.

Bleeding or nail injuries should be washed and then covered with a sterile, non-stick dressing.

Medical treatment

Your doctor may treat your limb injuries in different ways, depending on the specific injury.

Fractures are treated by immobilising the limb with a splint, brace or plaster cast. Sometimes surgery may be needed, including using metal rods to hold the bone together.

Dislocations are treated by putting the joint back in place, followed by several weeks’ rest. Don’t try to do this yourself. Always seek medical attention for a dislocation.

If you are in pain, your doctor may suggest you take simple painkillers (for example paracetamol or ibuprofen).

Your doctor may recommend physiotherapy and a period of rehabilitation to recover from a limb injury.

How can limb injuries be prevented?

The best way to prevent limb injuries is to:

• ensure safety at home, school, and work
• be cautious while driving
• exercise caution during sports activities

Resources and support

For more information about the symptoms and initial treatment of fractures and dislocations see the St John Ambulance first aid fact sheet.

You can find out more about preventing injury at:

• Kidsafe Australia
• Safe sport for kids
• Fall prevention

For more information about the symptoms and initial treatment of strains and sprains see the Healthy WA website.