how to make an arm sling from a pillowcase

A shoulder sling keeps your arm against your body and prevents you from moving it too much as you heal. Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. What Is an Arm Sling Used For? DO NOT try to realign an injured body part unless the skin looks pale or blue, or there is no pulse. Her sling is very similar to the ones my mother-in-law made me . Loosen the splint and bandage if: The area becomes cool or turns pale or blue. Then, fold one of the halves in half lengthwise and place it behind the childs neck and under their arm. Drape that same corner you just lifted over and behind the shoulder above the injured arm.Step 6: Tie two corners togetherTie the two corners that are behind either shoulder to each other so they loop behind the neck, adjusting the knot so the elbow is bent at a right angle, not drooping low or pulled too high.TipIf you don't have a piece of cloth available, use a long-sleeved shirt or sweater. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. If you do anything mentioned not to, you will surely hurt your arm even more. Letting the fingers peek out of a sling is not just to allow the injured person to wave hello. Having a custom made sling instead of the ugly hospital issued sling did make it a little bit better. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data. Lean on the arm or put any weight on it. If your sling has a strap that goes around your back to keep the elbow close to the body, reach behind to pull the strap around your back and fasten it near your hand. This should be about 1/3 to 1/2 of the total stockinette length. Your doctor can begin or change your treatment to help you manage depression. Bring the other end of the bandage over the other shoulder, cradling the arm. Your provider may advise you to apply ice to help ease pain and swelling. Here, we'll explain what a sling does for an injured arm and how to make one yourself. If your dominant arm is injured, fasteners may be a challenge. Use care when walking on slippery or uneven surfaces. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=26&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CE0QFjAFOBQ&url= http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00406. Two or three fingers should fit between your body and the strap. If your injury is minor, your doctor may allow you to remove the sling and bathe freely. Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! Depending on your injury, they may give you one of three main types of sling: You may be able to purchase these types of slings online or at your local drug store as well. 1. Postoperative Shoulder. Secure the fabric with a safety pin or by tucking it into itself. Wrap the shoulder strap across your injured shoulder and over your neck. Abduction brace versus antirotation sling after arthroscopic cuff repair: the effects on pain and function. Some people only need it for a short period of time, while others will wear a sling for many weeks. 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. Pull the dangling portion of the triangle up to meet the end at the shoulder. You use them for shoulder, arm, wrist, and hand injuries.. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. [6] Take care that the end of the sling doesn't dig into your hand or wrist. To keep a sling in place, a long strip of bandage can be tied around the sling, around the injured arm but under the non-injured one and tied together with a safety pin. When you are unable to use a traditional medical sling, a scarf sling may be an option. All rights reserved. These were great ideas, and she now has a collar and cuff. HOW TO MAKE A SLING. To prevent and minimize swelling and pain, raise the hand/arm above the level of the heart for 3-5 days. Place your arm into the sling, pull the strap around your neck, and secure it. Slings can be used for many different injuries, but most typically for arm or shoulder fractures, or dislocations. To make a sling, cut a piece of cloth, such as a pillowcase, about 40 inches square. 1. Multi-patented. You also may need to have a splint, in which case you should apply it first before the sling. Adjust these ends so that your hand is higher than your elbow, then tie the ends behind your neck. Rolled up newspaper or a magazine is best. The sling should support your arm firmly against your body without lifting. Place your arm in the triangle so it hangs at about a 90 degree angle. It is important to wear an arm sling to help with the healing process, as it will reduce the amount of movement in the arm, which could lead to further injury or pain. With the longest edge facing away from you, place your elbow at corner near your body and your wrist on the long edge. The best person to tell you this is your doctor. The corner opposite the base should wrap part way around the waist, lying between the torso and the injured arm's elbow.Step 4: Support armGently support the injured arm at the elbow across the torso.Step 5: Drape cornerLift the bottom corner up so the sling now cradles the injured arm. If youre in an emergency, you can also make a temporary sling out of: Making an arm sling with a large piece of cloth isn't difficult. An arm sling immobilizes and protects an injured arm. You may need help with zippers or buttons, and find that snaps are easier. If youre using a splint, watch out for discoloration, numbness, or tingling in the surrounding skin. 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