DIY Guide: How to Make an Arm Sling at Home

If you’ve ever injured your arm and needed to wear a sling, you may have wondered how to make one at home. Arm slings can be helpful in supporting the injured arm and helping it heal. Fortunately, making your own arm sling is a simple process that requires only a few materials and some basic knowledge of knot tying.

To make an arm sling, you’ll need a large piece of fabric or a scarf that is long enough to wrap around your neck and tie at your side. You’ll also need some safety pins, which will be used to secure the fabric in place. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of making a basic arm sling that can be adjusted to fit your needs. Whether you’re dealing with a minor injury or a more serious condition, this DIY arm sling can provide the necessary support while you heal.

Section: How to Make an Arm Sling
Introduction: Injuries come unplanned and can happen anytime, leaving you in pain and discomfort. Among the most common injuries is a broken arm or a fracture in the shoulder area. Arm slings can help to immobilize and support your arm as it heals. You can make an arm sling at home using materials that you probably already have around the house. Here’s how to make an arm sling in 10 easy steps.

Step 1: Gather your Materials

You will need a few items to make an arm sling at home. These include a piece of cloth around 40 inches long and 20 inches wide, a safety pin or a knot, and a pair of scissors. You can use any type of cloth, but cotton or linen is the best option.

Step 2: Measure the Cloth

Measure the cloth to the correct size by placing one end on top of your shoulder and letting the other end fall to the opposite hip. Cut off any excess cloth.

Step 3: Folding the Cloth

Fold the cloth in half, lengthwise.

Step 4: Placing the Cloth over the Injured Arm

Drape the cloth over the injured arm with the crease resting on your elbow, leaving a loop at the top of the arm.

Step 5: Slinging the Cloth over the Shoulder

Bring the two ends of the cloth up over the opposite shoulder (the uninjured side), creating a cross shape on your back.

Step 6: Placing the Cloth around the Waist

Tie the two ends of the cloth around your waist, at the level of your un-injured hip.

Step 7: Adjusting the Cloth

Adjust the cloth to ensure that your broken arm is resting in the loop, and the weight of your arm is supported. The cloth on your neck and waist should be comfortable and not too tight.

Step 8: Securing the Cloth

Secure the cloth to avoid slipping by tying a knot or using a safety pin.

Step 9: Testing the Sling

Test the sling by moving your arm and shoulder to ensure that the sling does not shift and that your arm is properly supported.

Step 10: Additional Tips

Make sure to elevate your broken arm to reduce swelling and avoid any sudden movement. Avoid using this sling for a longer period, consult your medical professional about an appropriate duration. In case of discomfort or additional pain consult a medical professional as soon as possible.

Conclusion:
Now you know how to make an arm sling at home using everyday items found in your home. An arm sling can be beneficial in ensuring your broken arm heals properly, but it’s always essential to consult a medical professional to determine if the sling you made is the right fit and appropriate for your injury. With a little bit of patience and care, you can make a sling that works best for you.

Materials Needed to Make an Arm Sling

To make an arm sling, you will need a few basic materials. Fortunately, you can easily find these items in any drugstore or hardware store. Here are the things you will need:

Cloth or Bandage

Select a cloth or bandage that is long enough to wrap around your neck and support your arm. You can use anything from a classic triangular bandage to a T-shirt or bedsheet. Make sure the material is soft and breathable.

Safety Pins or Adhesive Tape

Take the help of safety pins or adhesive tape to secure the cloth or bandage in place. Safety pins are usually recommended because they are more durable and prevent the fabric from sliding down. Adhesive tape can also be used if you prefer, but it may only stick for a short period of time.

Scissors

It is necessary to have a pair of scissors at hand to cut the bandage or cloth to the correct size. It is also necessary to make sure that the material is cut in such a way that it is long enough to wrap around your neck and support your injured arm.

Sling Pad or Pillow

You should also have a sling pad or pillow to hold your arm in a comfortable position. You can use a small pillow or a folded towel as a support.

Ice Pack

Keep an ice pack ready in case you need to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. You can place the ice pack within the sling to keep it close to the injury site.

Rubber Bands

If you need to attach the ice pack, use rubber bands to keep it in place. Be sure to place a layer of cloth or paper between the ice pack and your skin to prevent ice burn.

Inflatable Neck Pillow

If you don’t have a sling pad, use an inflatable neck pillow to take the place of it. It serves the same purpose as the sling pad, keeping your arm in an elevated position.

Gauze or Dressing

Place a gauze or dressing over the wound before making the arm sling. This will help keep the wound clean and prevent it from getting infected.

Clean Water

Before dressing the wound, clean it with clean water and a mild antiseptic solution. This helps to ensure that the wound is free of dirt and other contaminants.

A Friend or Family Member

While not essential, having another person around will make it easier to assemble the arm sling. Your friend or family member can help you secure the sling in place and assist you if you need to make any adjustments.

Materials Needed:

In order to make an arm sling, you will need a few materials. Don’t worry, these materials are extremely simple and can be found at your local drugstore or medical supply store for a low cost.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Now that you have all the necessary materials that you need to prepare your arm sling, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make one:

Step 1: Cut a Long Strip of Cloth/Use a Triangular Bandage

The first thing you need to do is take a long strip of cloth. If you don’t have any cloth, use a triangular bandage. Ensure that the strip is approximately 5-6 inches wide and at least 40 inches long. This length will depend on the size of the person’s arm who will be using the sling.

Step 2: Position the Sling

Position the cloth under the injured arm and raise it up across the front of the chest to the opposite shoulder. Ensure that the injured arm sits comfortably in the pocket created by the sling, and that the other end of the sling is resting comfortably on the shoulder.

Step 3: Fold the Lower End of the Sling

Fold up the lower end of the sling so that it creates a pocket for the arm. Ensure that the bottom of the pocket is even with the elbow crease of the injured arm. If necessary, adjust the pocket to ensure a comfortable fit for the arm.

Step 4: Tighten the Sling

Bring the top end of the sling down over the shoulder and across the back to meet the bottom end of the sling. Secure the two ends of the sling with a safety pin to ensure that the sling stays in place. Ensure that the sling is snug, but does not cut off circulation.

Step 5: Test the Sling

Test the sling for comfort and mobility. Have the injured person move their arms slightly to see if the sling is too tight or too loose. Make necessary adjustments to ensure that the sling is comfortable enough for the injured person to wear.

Now that you have made an arm sling, it is important for the injured person to seek medical attention. This will ensure that the severity of the injury is assessed, and that appropriate treatment is given.

In conclusion, making an arm sling is very easy and can be done using a number of items that you have at home or medical supplies stores. Ensure that you follow all the steps mentioned above and make necessary adjustments for comfort. If you have any doubts, it is always a good choice to consult a medical professional.

Thanks for Reading!

We hope this article has been helpful in showing you how to make an arm sling. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for unexpected injuries, and this DIY arm sling will definitely come in handy if need be. Remember to consult a medical professional if the injury is severe or if you have any doubts about how to properly treat it. And make sure to come back again for more helpful tips and tricks on how to stay healthy and safe!