Even if your arm pain is less severe, or the result of something other than a break or sprain, immobilizing the arm can help you feel more comfortable as you travel. Keeping the affected arm in a sling keeps it close to your body, and protected from the jostling that occurs when traveling. A sling might also serve as a reminder not to strain your arm while it's injured, something that may happen as you unthinkingly attempt to carry luggage. If your arm pain is not serious enough for a sling or cast, you can still pick up a brace at your local drugstore that keeps your arm in a good position so that you don't hurt or strain it further. If your pain is in your shoulder, you may choose a shoulder immobilizer that keeps your shoulder firmly in place so as not to cause further damage during your journeys. You can even try a travel pillow that attaches to your sling to help make traveling more comfortable. See Resources for immobilizers, slings, braces and pillows that would work well for traveling.
Traveling with arm pain may be the perfect time to take some mild pain medication, especially if your pain begins to act up. Even if it is only a simple dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen, it can help take the edge off of your pain so that you can travel in comfort. Medication can also reduce any swelling that may occur from changing air pressure or excess strain on the arm. If your doctor has prescribed a pain medication for your arm pain, then make sure you have it filled and on hand. Make sure that you understand all of the side effects of your prescribed medication; one that makes you drowsy may not be the best choice for a short flight or one where you need to be alert to change planes.
Using simple heat or cold compresses on your arm can help you deal with arm pain while traveling. Use ice or a cold pack to numb pain that you might be having, or heat to help relax the muscles, depending on what your specific arm pain responds best to. While you may not be able to pack ice in your carry-on bag or carry it without a cooler, you can bring a plastic bag and ask a flight attendant to fill it with ice. Likewise, you can bring a heat sock on board with you, and just ask the flight attendant to pop it in the microwave. If you are traveling by car, take advantage of rest stops or gas stations to purchase ice or utilize a microwave. Apply to your arm for as long as needed for a more comfortable traveling experience.
