Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. If an injury needs a splint, apply the splint first and then apply the sling. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data. Flying With Airberlin: How To Get A Pillow And Stay Comfortable In-Flight. Another idea: Wrap a strip of cloth, a sheet, pants, pantyhose, (whatever you have) and wrap it under your wrist and around your neck in a similar fashion as the full size sling. If the sling doesn't support your shoulder, elbow, and wrist, it won't keep your arm in place. Washington University Physicians. Johns Hopkins Medicine, The Johns Hopkins Hospital Patient Information. They include: Your healthcare provider might advise you to wear a sling as your body heals from other upper-body injuries or surgeries, too. 2023 by The President and Fellows of Harvard College, Do not sell my personal information | Privacy Policy. If your dominant arm is injured, fasteners may be a challenge. Use caution when helping a person with fragile bones. This could be a sign of nerve pressure or loss of circulation. Slings are available to buy in a range of shapes and fabrics, but it is relatively easy to make a temporary triangle-type arm sling using a square or rectangular piece of cloth. The arm sling should be comfortable for the child, and should provide support for their arm while it heals. If you do not have material or scissors to make a triangle sling, you can make one using a coat or a shirt. Check the circulation in their fingertips every 10 minutes. Follow Your Doctors Instructions on When to Wear Your Sling. The sling helps support your arm after injury or surgery on the arm, shoulder or collarbone. To make a sling, cut a piece of cloth, such as a pillowcase, about 40 inches square. You might need to wear a sling after a stroke or if you have an elbow or shoulder fracture. Regardless of the exact nature of your arm injury, a sling can be vital to your healing process because, in addition to supporting your arm as it heals, it provides a sign to others to treat your arm gently. Remember to use your healthy arm for all daily activities. A shoulder sling keeps your arm against your body and prevents you from moving it too much as you heal. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. If, for some reason, you find that the sling isn't comfortable while folded, you can alternatively cut the square diagonally to create the same shape. Place your arm into the sling, pull the strap around your neck, and secure it. It should fit snugly around the elbow. Carrying Sling For a Small Dog or Cat. Instructions for wearing your shoulder immobilizer brace. Make sure the tie isnt putting undue stress on your neck or shoulder. Read these tips on how to make a sling or a splint out of everyday items. Or use a long-sleeved t-shirt, sweatshirt, or coat by tying the sleeves behind your neck and supporting your arm in the loop made. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Make-a-Sling-for-Your-Arm-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Sling-for-Your-Arm-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Make-a-Sling-for-Your-Arm-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid843627-v4-728px-Make-a-Sling-for-Your-Arm-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"