Broken Arm

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

Care

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• To reduce the swelling, keep the injured arm above the level of your heart as much as possible.
• Apply ice to the injury for 15 to 20 minutes each hour for the first 1 to 2 days. Put the ice in a plastic bag and place a thin towel between the bag of ice and your cast.
• If you have a plaster or Fiberglass Cast:
  • Do not try to scratch the skin under the cast by pushing a sharp or pointed object down the cast.
  • Check the skin around the cast every day. You may put lotion on any red or sore areas.
  • If your fiberglass cast gets a little wet, it can be dried with a hair dryer.
• If you have a plaster splint:
  • Wear the splint until your follow-up examination unless your doctor has given you other instructions.
  • You may loosen the elastic around the splint if your fingers become numb or begin to tingle.
• Do not put pressure on any part of your cast or splint; it may break.
• Keep your cast or splint dry. While bathing, protect it with a plastic bag. Do not lower it into water.
• If your doctor prescribes pain medication, take no more than directed. If the medication makes you drowsy, don't drive. You may also use over-the-counter pain killers.

Seek Care Immediately If...

• The cast gets damaged or breaks.
• You have continued severe pain or increased swelling.
• The skin or fingernails of the casted arm turn blue or grey, or feel cold or numb.
• There is a bad smell coming from the cast.
• There are new stains coming from under the cast.