How to Wear a Sling

A sling protects your arm after an injury and might help it feel better while it heals.

Putting on a sling is easy.

But if it's hard to do it yourself, ask someone to help you.

Hold your arm across your body so it's right about at your waist.

Then gently slide the sling onto your arm as you rest it against your body.

Be sure the sling is long enough so it supports your arm from your elbow to your hand.

Adjust the straps on the sling so that it's snug enough to support your arm and feels comfortable around your neck and shoulder.

If the sling feels too tight, loosen it a bit.

Ask your doctor if you can take the sling off once in a while, as long as you're sitting quietly and resting your arm on a pillow for support.

Now, in an emergency, you can make your own sling to support your arm until you can get help.

You can use a small bed sheet or the triangle-shaped bandage that comes in many first aid kits.

Just wrap the cloth or bandage around your neck and tie the ends near your shoulder.