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High Arm Sling

Minor Injuries & Urgent Treatment

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Last updated: June 2026
Next review: June 2028

Using Your High Arm Sling

You have been given a high arm sling to support your injured hand and help reduce swelling. Keeping your hand elevated can reduce pain and stiffness by preventing fluid from collecting around the injury. Following the advice below will help you recover comfortably and safely.

Why Wear a High Arm Sling?

A high arm sling is designed to:

  • Support your injured hand.
  • Reduce swelling by keeping your hand elevated.
  • Improve comfort while your injury begins to heal.
  • Help prevent unnecessary movement.

Wearing Your Sling

Unless your clinician has advised otherwise:

  • Wear the sling for 1 to 2 days.
  • Remove it before going to bed.
  • Take it off for washing and dressing.
  • Put the sling back on when you get up in the morning.

Keep Your Hand Elevated

Elevation helps reduce swelling and discomfort.

To help your recovery:

  • Rest your hand on pillows when sitting or lying down.
  • When sleeping, support your hand on pillows after removing the sling if advised.
  • Avoid letting your hand hang down for long periods.

Keep Your Joints Moving

Although the sling supports your injury, it is important to prevent stiffness.

Every 3 to 4 hours, remove your sling and gently move your:

  • Shoulder
  • Elbow
  • Wrist
  • Fingers

Move your fingers as much as your pain allows to maintain flexibility and circulation.

Remove Jewellery

Swelling can make rings difficult to remove.

You should:

  • Remove any rings from your injured hand.
  • Avoid wearing rings until your hand has returned to its normal size.

Putting on Your High Arm Sling

To fit your sling correctly:

  1. Place your injured hand against the opposite shoulder.
  2. Position the sling over your arm with the longest side hanging down.
  3. Fold the lower corner up underneath your arm.
  4. Tie the two ends behind your neck in a secure bow. The step-by-step diagrams on pages 2 and 3 of the leaflet demonstrate the correct fitting technique.

When to Get Medical Advice

If you have concerns about your injury or your sling, contact your GP or healthcare professional.

For urgent medical advice that is not life-threatening, call NHS 111.

In a life-threatening emergency, always call 999.

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