Arm slings are a necessary part of recovery, providing the stabilization and immobilization required for injuries like fractures, dislocations, or post-surgical healing. However, the relief they offer to the injured limb often comes with secondary discomfort, including neck strain, skin irritation, and difficulty with everyday tasks. The constant pressure, restrictive materials, and awkward positioning can turn a temporary necessity into a source of daily frustration. The goal is to maximize the healing benefits of the sling while minimizing the associated problems. This article provides immediate, actionable methods to significantly improve comfort while wearing an arm sling.
Relieving Neck and Shoulder Pressure
The weight of the immobilized arm, transferred entirely to the neck and shoulder via the sling strap, is the most frequent source of complaint. This concentrated pressure can cause muscle tension and pain where the strap rests on the trapezius muscle. To immediately relieve this, consider adding extra padding to the strap itself, using materials like a rolled-up fleece blanket, a thick sock, or a commercial strap cushion.
Adjusting the strap length is also important because a properly fitted sling supports the arm’s weight, allowing the shoulder muscles to relax. A common guideline is to adjust the strap so the hand is positioned slightly higher than the elbow, which helps prevent fluid from pooling in the hand and wrist. Periodically shifting the strap’s resting point slightly—even just an inch or two—can prevent constant, localized pressure on a single nerve or muscle area.
If your sling includes a waist strap or a secondary loop, utilizing it can help distribute the arm’s load away from the neck and onto the torso. For slings without this feature, crossing the main strap diagonally across the back, if the design allows, can spread the force over a larger area of the upper body. When the strap is correctly tensioned, you should feel the sling supporting the arm’s weight without needing to shrug your shoulder to help hold it up.
Optimizing the Arm’s Position and Fit
The correct positioning of the arm within the sling is crucial for both comfort and proper healing, preventing the injured limb from sliding or resting improperly. The elbow must be seated firmly into the back corner of the sling’s pouch to ensure the entire forearm is supported. If the elbow is not fully seated, the weight distribution shifts, which can strain the wrist and hand.
The sling should extend far enough to cradle the forearm up to the base of the fingers or the knuckles, leaving only the fingers exposed. If the wrist or hand sags out of the sling, it indicates a poor fit, allowing the wrist to bear unsupported weight. Since sling materials can stretch slightly throughout the day, check and periodically readjust any buckles or closures. This re-tightening maintains the proper elevation and the ideal 90-degree bend at the elbow, which is recommended for most arm injuries.
Preventing Skin Chafing and Irritation
Skin irritation often occurs due to friction, heat, and moisture buildup where the sling’s synthetic fabric meets the skin, particularly under the armpit and around the neck. To create a comfortable barrier, wear a soft, moisture-wicking shirt underneath the sling, ensuring a layer of fabric exists between the skin and the sling material. A thin, soft cotton shirt or a silk scarf can be placed directly under the neck strap to reduce abrasive rubbing.
In areas prone to rubbing, such as the armpit or the inside of the elbow, applying a protective skin barrier product like petroleum jelly or a non-talc powder can significantly reduce friction. The powder works by absorbing moisture, which is a primary contributor to chafing and skin breakdown. Maintaining daily hygiene is important, and if medically permitted, briefly removing the sling to air out the immobilized area helps prevent heat and moisture retention.
Tips for Comfortable Sleep
Sleeping comfortably with an arm sling presents a unique challenge because maintaining immobilization is difficult when unconscious. The recommended sleeping position for most sling users is on the back, as this position naturally stabilizes the arm and prevents rolling onto the injured side. However, sleeping in a slightly reclined position, such as in a recliner or propped up with several pillows, can be more comfortable for the shoulder.
Using pillows as positional aids is an effective strategy for nighttime comfort and stability. Place one or more pillows, a rolled towel, or a wedge underneath the immobilized arm to support its weight and prevent it from shifting. Slightly elevating the hand and forearm above the level of the heart with a pillow can help reduce post-injury or post-surgical swelling, known as edema. Wearing loose-fitting, non-restrictive clothing, such as a shirt that opens in the front, simplifies dressing and undressing and minimizes discomfort from bunched fabric at night.