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How can you care for your arm pain?
- Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- Rest and protect your arm. Take a break from any activity that may cause pain.
- Put ice or a cold pack on your arm for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
- Prop up the sore arm on a pillow when you ice it or anytime you sit or lie down during the next 3 days. Try to keep it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.
- If your doctor recommends a sling to support your arm, wear it as directed.
Arm pain: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your arm or hand is cool or pale or changes color.
- You have new or worse pain.
- You cannot use your arm.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks running up or down your arm.
- Pus draining from an area of your arm.
- A fever.
- You have tingling, weakness, or numbness in your arm.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.