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How can you care for yourself when you have a broken arm?
- If the doctor gave you a sedative:
- For 24 hours, don't do anything that requires attention to detail, such as going to work, making important decisions, or signing any legal documents. It takes time for the medicine's effects to completely wear off.
- For your safety, do not drive or operate any machinery that could be dangerous. Wait until the medicine wears off and you can think clearly and react easily.
- Put ice or a cold pack on your arm for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake). Put a thin cloth between the ice and your cast or splint. Keep the cast or splint dry.
- Follow the cast care instructions your doctor gives you. If you have a splint, do not take it off unless your doctor tells you to.
- Be safe with medicines. Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- Prop up your arm on pillows when you sit or lie down in the first few days after the injury. Keep the arm higher than the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.
- Follow instructions for exercises to keep your arm strong.
- Wiggle your fingers and wrist often to reduce swelling and stiffness.
Broken arm: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You are very sleepy and you have trouble waking up.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or worse nausea or vomiting.
- You have new or worse pain.
- Your hand or fingers are cool or pale or change color.
- Your cast or splint feels too tight.
- You have tingling, weakness, or numbness in your hand or fingers.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
- You have problems with your cast or splint.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.