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How to Treat a Broken Arm

A broken arm is an extremely common injury, accounting for around half of all bone fractures in adults. By immobilizing your arm properly and following through with your doctor's treatment plan, recovery should just take a few weeks, depending upon the severity of the break.

Things You'll Need

  • Cast or splint
  • Doctor or orthopedic surgeon
  • Ice packs
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Instructions

  1. Treat a Broken Arm

    • 1

      Place an ice pack on suspected area of the fracture until you can get medical assistance. Keep the ice on the area for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Avoid placing the ice directly on your skin by wrapping a clean towel around your arm first.

    • 2

      Immobilize your arm further by making a sling out of a towel or shirt and then tying it around your neck. You can also immobilize your arm by rolling a thick newspaper around it and taping it closed.

    • 3

      Get medical assistance as soon as possible in order to evaluate the severity of the fracture. X-rays will determine the type of fracture and the subsequent treatment.

    • 4

      Determine which type of immobilization will be required for the arm to heal. A splint or a partial cast will usually be applied for fractures to the radius and ulna (the two bones that make up the forearm, below the elbow). An upper arm (humerus) or shoulder break may just require a splint.

    • 5

      Expect hospitalization for more serious types of arm fractures, such as compound fractures (where the bone breaks the skin), multiple fractures, dislocations of the elbow or shoulder or fractures where there is nerve or blood vessel damage.

    • 6

      Continue to apply ice packs once you get home to treat the swelling. Your doctor may prescribe prescription medication to further reduce pain.

    • 7

      Consult online resources such as eMedicineHealth for further tips on how to treat a broken arm (see Resources below).

    • 8

      Keep your cast or splint clean and dry at all times.

    • 9

      Keep your arm elevated, preferably above the level of your heart, to help reduce swelling.

    • 10

      Follow up with your doctor after the recommended period to see if the arm has healed and if it's time to remove the cast or splint.

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