The treatment for an arm injury depends on severity.

Treatment for a minor arm injury includes:

• Apply a cold compress:
• Wrap ice in a moist hand towel. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
• Apply for 20-30 minutes, every 1-2 hours, for the first few days.
• Rest
• With some arm injuries you may wish to wear a sling for comfort
• Long term immobilization in a sling can lead to frozen shoulder.
• Shoulder injuries may require more aggressive immobilization.
• Apply an ACE wrap.
• Elevate the arm:
• Above the heart if possible.
• Narcotic pain medication
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain
• Physical therapy for arm injuries

Treatment for a severe arm injury may include:

• Emergency arm splint
• Arm cast or splint
• Surgery for a broken arm

Severe fractures and dislocations may require surgery, in order to align the bones. Healing usually requires 6 - 8 weeks. Afterwards, physical therapy may be required, in order to restore normal function.

For more information:

• Shoulder injury treatment
• Elbow injury treatment
• Wrist injury treatment
• Hand injury treatment