Resetting broken arm

First, a short explanation as to why I ask this question. I have a strong aversion towards doctors visits. My wife, being a psychologist (and a worrier) has been trying to figure out why this is. The story I'm about to tell is something that keeps coming up, and I hope that If I gain an understanding as to why the doctor made the choice he made, I will be more willing to visit a doctor in the future.

When I was younger (just before the 4th grade), I fractured my arm near the wrist. I'm not sure whether it is considered a compound fracture since the bone didn't puncture the skin, but it was completely separated, with my hand sitting about 2" above the arm, and parallel to it. After spending three hours waiting I finally got to a doctor who attempted to reset the bone. It was put in a “splint cast” because it was expected to swell, and I was to come in after several weeks to have a regular cast put on. When the splint cast was removed (by a different doctor), much to our surprise, the arm was noticeably bent. The doctor said it would have to be re broken. I asked for anesthetic, but he said no. It was a simple 1..2..3 snap. Let me tell you, a broken bone hurts 10x worse when you know its coming! To this day the thought still makes me squirm.

So my question is, why could the doctor not use anesthetic?

Sorry this is so long, thanks in advance for your replies.