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What first aid steps should you take if you suspect a broken arm?
Most minor arm injuries will heal on their own, and home treatment is usually all that's needed. But if you think that you might have a more severe injury, use first aid until you can be seen by a doctor.
- Control bleeding with direct pressure to the wound.
- Remove all bracelets and rings. It may be hard to remove the jewelry if your arm or hand swells. Swelling without removal of jewelry can cause other serious problems, such as a compressed nerve or restricted blood flow.
- Don't try to straighten the injured arm. If a bone is sticking out of the skin, don't try to push it back into the skin. Cover the area with a clean bandage. Then use a splint to support the arm in its current position.
- Splint an injured arm to protect it from more injury. Loosen the wrap around the splint if you have numbness, tingling, increased pain, swelling, cool skin, or other symptoms. The wrap may be too tight.
- Use a sling to support the injured arm.
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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.