Radial Head Fracture

Explanation of Diagnosis

A radial head fracture means a break in the radial head, the top part of the radius bone on the thumb side of your forearm that helps form the elbow joint. This injury often happens from a fall onto an outstretched hand, a direct hit to the outside of the elbow, or a twisting force. Common symptoms include pain on the outer elbow, swelling, difficulty rotating your forearm (turning palm up or down), and limited elbow motion. Some people also notice clicking or a “catching” feeling, especially when moving.

Specific Work Modifications

• Use your non-injured arm for lifting, gripping, and carrying whenever possible.
• Keep the injured forearm supported on a desk, armrest, or pillow to reduce elbow stress.
• Avoid repeated twisting motions at the wrist and forearm (turning doorknobs, using tools that require rotation).
• Set up your workstation so you can keep your elbow close to your body and your wrist in a neutral position.
• Take short breaks from tasks that require elbow bending or prolonged typing/mousing with the injured arm.
• Avoid ladders, power tools, or overhead work that could make you brace with the injured arm.

Specific Activity Modifications

• Avoid push-ups, bench presses, dips, and any exercise where you bear weight through the injured arm.
• Pause throwing, catching, swinging, and racquet sports until you have good pain-free motion and strength.
• Avoid contact sports and activities with a higher risk of falls (cycling on rough terrain, skateboarding, skiing) until cleared.
• Limit lifting and carrying to light loads only and keep movements close to your body; stop if pain increases.
• Choose low-impact cardio that doesn’t involve arm force (walking, stationary bike) instead of sports drills.
• Skip stretching or range-of-motion efforts that cause sharp pain at the elbow.

Recommended Supplements

• Vitamin D3 1000–2000 IU daily, especially if your levels are low, may support bone healing.
• Calcium 1000–1200 mg total per day from food plus supplements (if needed), supports bone strength.
• Omega-3 fish oil 1000 mg daily with food may help with symptom management from inflammation.
• Collagen peptides 10 g daily may support connective tissue health as part of an overall nutrition plan.

Recommended Nutrition and Hydration

Diet Recommendations

• Aim for adequate protein each day (for many people, roughly 20–35 g per meal) to support tissue repair.
• Include calcium-rich foods (milk, yogurt, cheese, fortified alternatives) plus vitamin D sources (fatty fish, fortified foods).
• Eat a colorful mix of fruits and vegetables to provide vitamin C and other nutrients that support healing.
• Avoid heavy alcohol intake while you’re recovering, as it can interfere with bone repair.

Hydration Tips

• Drink water regularly throughout the day to keep tissues supple and support normal recovery.
• If you use ice for symptom relief or sweat from exercise, add extra fluids to replace losses.

Home Exercise Prescription

Do these exercises about 3–5 times per day, keeping everything within a comfortable, pain-limited range.

1. Hand and finger active range: Open and close your hand fully, 15–20 repetitions.
2. Wrist pumps: Move your wrist up and down gently, 20–30 repetitions.
3. Elbow bending and straightening (assisted if needed): Slowly bend and straighten the elbow as far as is comfortable without sharp pain, 8–12 repetitions.
4. Forearm rotation with support: With your elbow at your side and supported, slowly turn your palm up and palm down within comfort, 6–10 repetitions.
5. Shoulder blade squeezes: Pull shoulder blades gently back and down, hold 3–5 seconds, repeat 8–12 times.
6. If you have sharply worsening pain, new numbness/tingling, or increasing swelling, stop and contact your clinician.

Helpful Books

• "Explain Pain" written by David Butler and Lorimer Moseley
• "OrthoInfo: Elbow Fractures and Injuries" written by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)