Preparing for an appointment

Depending on the severity of the break, your family doctor or the emergency room physician might refer you or your child to a doctor who specializes in injuries of the body's musculoskeletal system (orthopedic surgeon).

What you can do

Make a list that includes:

• Details about your or your child's symptoms and the incident that caused them
• Information about past medical problems
• All the medications and dietary supplements you or your child takes
• Questions to ask the doctor

For a broken arm, questions to ask your doctor include:

• What tests are needed?
• What is the best course of action?
• Is surgery necessary?
• What restrictions will need to be followed?
• Do you recommend seeing a specialist?
• What pain medications do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, including:

• Did the symptoms come on suddenly?
• What caused the symptoms?
• Did an injury trigger the symptoms?
• How severe are the symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to improve the symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen the symptoms?