Tips for living with a broken arm can extend beyond your doctor’s medical advice. There are very useful broken arm hacks you can try to make everyday life easier while you’re undergoing recovery. These can not only simplify chores but also help you to avoid over-straining or reinjuring the arm.
Whether you're trying to adjust to a temporary setback or supporting a friend or family member through the recovery process, practical tips can help to make the experience more manageable.
From building a purposefully created environment to embracing adaptive clothing and accepting the support of those around you, these tips are designed to work alongside your medical advice for a smooth recovery period.
How Long Does It Take For A Broken Arm To Heal?
The healing time for a broken arm can vary depending on a number of important factors including the severity and location of the break. Individual health, physical therapy, and care after surgery can also be influential factors in healing.
Guidance generally indicates that a moderate break will take around 6 to 8 weeks to heal. For an accurate assessment of the specific case it’s important to discuss recovery with your own doctor.
Some broken arms might never fully heal or could leave those impacted with long-term discomfort and limited mobility. These broken arm tips and tricks can be useful long-term with managing the impact of the injury.
Read: 10 Essential Broken Arm Recovery Tips
Tips For Living With A Broken Arm
Here are just a few of our top tips for living with a broken arm.
Listen To Your Healthcare Professional
Recovery from a broken arm can be a complicated process, and it’s so important to let your healthcare professional guide your recovery. Follow their advice carefully, attend all scheduled appointments, and communicate openly about any concerns or changes in your condition. Be thorough and consistent with any physical therapy that they recommend.
Adapt Your Environment
Modifying your environment to accommodate your injury is a practical approach that makes daily life more manageable. Consider rearranging frequently used items to be within easy reach and remove things that could be trip or slip hazards.
Be sure to properly utilize assistive tools, pillows, and ergonomic furniture to create a friendly space that minimizes unnecessary strain on your broken arm and allows you to rest comfortably.
Rest When Needed
Your body always needs rest when it’s healing and although it can be tempting to try to continue as you normally would, it’s important to get enough rest. Avoid overexertion and give your arm the time it needs to properly heal. Not only can this help to prevent long-term issues but it can also help with aching and swelling immediately after a break.
Trial Adaptive Clothing
Exploring adaptive clothing options can simplify your daily routine, especially if you have a cast or sling.
Look for bras with front closures to more easily navigate dressing and choose loose-fitting clothing on your arm to help with swelling and bruising.
There are lots of clothing options that work well with a sling.
Accept Support
During the recovery period, don't hesitate to seek and accept support from friends and family.
Not only will this ease daily physical challenges but it can also be a great emotional support in what is often a frustrating and sometimes isolating period.
Stay Active And Engaged In Your Hobbies
Broken arm life hacks can be about more than your physical needs during recovery.
Whilst it is important to rest, it’s also vital to still engage in hobbies and keep your mind and body active where possible. Low-impact exercises can be a good way to get moving but you should be careful not to risk falling on the injured arm.
There are many hobbies that can be explored with one arm during recovery that won’t risk any additional strain. It’s important to maintain both physical and mental health during the recovery period.
