How to Have Fun With a Broken Arm

Co-authored by Zheni Stavre, MD

Last Updated: August 12, 2024

So you're stuck with a cast on your arm for the next month or two and you’re already feeling trapped inside your home. Though it’s easy to get overrun with negative thoughts, the most important thing you can do is think positively. Even though you can't do all the things you used to anymore, you can still have fun! You will eventually adjust to your cast and the time will pass by before you know it.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Entertaining Yourself With a Broken Arm

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1
Binge on TV shows and movies. If you're trying to rest and elevate your arm, settling in for a season or two of a show or a long movie can be the way to go. Not only will it help you relax, but it’ll also work as a great distraction and time killer.
- Also, with sites like Netflix and Hulu, as well as a multitude of network streaming sites, watching shows and movies is easier than ever. Just make sure you get up every now and again to stretch your feet.
2
Invest in a Kindle or e-reader. If you don't want to waste your days in front of a television, try reading e-books. Holding a Kindle or an iPad is a lot easier to do one-handed than holding an actual book. You will also have access to far more novels without even having to leave your house.^{[1]
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- If you aren’t sure where to start, try a site like eBooks or Audible. You can also get ebooks directly off Amazon.
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3
Study a language or take an online course. If you’re spending most of your time on the couch anyways, try learning something new! There are plenty of online sites and mobile apps geared specifically towards education. For example, Duolingo and Memrise for languages, and Khan Academy or Great Courses for general studies like mathematics, history, or fine arts.
- You can also find some college lectures or TED Talks on YouTube.
4
Color or paint. This can be a great, relaxing activity regardless of your age. You can also do it for almost no money as long as you've got some blank paper and markers lying around. However, if you want to change things up, try buying an adult coloring book or a paint by numbers.
- Some of these may even include the markers or paint with them, so you don't have to buy them
5
Write about the experience. Sometimes expressing your feelings, frustrations, and fears can be awesome! Writing can also take your mind off of the pain in your arm. If you aren't able to write with your hand, try typing. You can even keep an online journal about your experience.
- For example, you can create a how-to-cope article for other people with broken arms or turn your whole experience into a fictional story.
6
Draw on your cast. When you see people with casts and see all of the signatures on them, it makes you want to sign it, right? Well now lucky for you, you have a cast of your own to write and draw on! You can ask people to sign your cast, or you can just draw on it yourself. It's also a great thing to have for (believe it or not) to-do lists and things you need to remember.^{[2]
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- If you are going to draw on your cast, get silver or gold sharpies to use because if your cast is dark, you want to use colors that will show up.
7
Make a list of things to do when you get your cast off. This is a great activity for when you're feeling extra bitter about your cast. Try to plan out all the things you want to do once it's off. You can even keep a list or a little notebook with you to add to when you think of something.
- For example, you can list simple things like clapping or cutting your food. Or go for bigger things like rock climbing, swimming, or handstands.
- Let your frustration serve as a motivation to try new things once your arm has healed.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Socializing With Your Cast On

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1
Play board games. Rope your family or some friends into joining you for a game night. There are a multitude of games for every genre. You can play something short and easy like Sorry or Life, or invest in a longer game like Monopoly or Risk. There are also games like Cards Against Humanity, Settlers of Catan, and Pandemic.
- If you don’t have any board games, try a group game from Jackbox like Drawful. All you need for this is a computer or laptop, TV, and smart phones.
If you've been trapped in the house for a while, try getting out to see a movie. You can do this alone or with friends. It's a great way to feel productive without overtaxing yourself and getting tired. Try going to matinees for a cheaper price and look out for discount days at your local theater.
There are many local theaters that put on regular weekly performances. These are also usually much cheaper than going to the larger, more popular, theaters in your area. You can even pull up their monthly schedules online and plan out which shows you'd like to see.
4
Go to a museum, aquarium, or library. This is a great way to get in some exercise without using your arm too much. You can also get into a lot of these places for free depending on when you go - like in the afternoon or on weekdays. If you're a student, you can also usually get discounted tickets.
- For museums and aquariums, there are usually new, specialized exhibits monthly, which can make going frequently a treat.
5
Spend time with friends. If you get really bored or lonely, invite friends over just to hang out. It won't matter what you do, just spending time together is a great distraction. You can also have them take you out if you're tired of being at home. Since they're likely willing to help you out of you need it, it won't matter where you go.
- Try going out to one of your favorite restaurants for dinner. Going somewhere familiar will help you feel comfortable, despite your cast. A dinner out with friends is also a great time killer that won't destroy your wallet.
- If the weather permits, try going for a walk with your friends, too. You can do this within your neighborhood or at a local park. Having a friend a long will not only help make it more fun, but also make it safer should you have trouble with your cast.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Recovering Smoothly

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Yes, they really have that kind of thing now. You can shower normally, wash your hands, and even swim. This gives you more freedom, so you won't be stuck in the house all summer with your broken arm.
2
Keep clean. Though it may seem like an impossibility with a cast, you can invest in a few items to help you stay hygienic. This way you're not trapped taking bird baths or getting family and friends involved. Instead, try finding a few items like:
- An electric toothbrush, or “end tuft” brush to make brushing your teeth simpler. You can also get an access flosser, which will allow you to floss one handed.^{[3]
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- Spray deodorant. If you aren’t able to use your arm fully, this will save you the pain of trying to put on a stick. Just make sure you apply it while shirtless, as you might accidentally spray it all over your clothes.
- Dry hair shampoo. This is a great item if you aren't able to lift your arm fully or get your cast wet. You simply spray it on the roots of your hair and massage it in. It's a quick way to get your hair looking freshly washed, and it won't stain your clothing.
- If you have the ability, you can even go to a salon for regular hair washing. Some salons may give you a discount if you are only going to have your hair washed.
3
Readjust your sleeping habits. One of the most annoying problems with a cast can be situating yourself in bed. For example, it's hard to turn over when you can only use one arm. It can also be painful to keep your broken arm in one position all night.
- Try instead to prop your arm up with pillows. You can even build yourself a pillow fortress to make sure you don't roll over onto your arm during the night.^{[4]
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4
Try new ways of eating. If you don't have someone with you to help you cut food, you may have a slight struggle on your hands. However, if you are alone, you can problem solve by eating foods that only require a spoon or fork - or foods soft enough to be cut with either.
- You can also use food delivery services like Blue Apron or Fresh Direct which will not only save you from having to carry groceries but also do the food prep for you. A lot of their meals come pre-portioned, so rather than trying to cut up and measure ingredients, you can get straight to the cooking.
- If you get really desperate, though, try a pizza cutter instead of a knife.
5
Wear clothes you can slip on easily. It's hard to zip or button up with only one hand. Though it can be done with practice and time, you don't want to exhaust your injured arm in the process.
- Try wearing pants with elastic bands, instead. You should also make sure you are wearing shirts that you can fit over your cast.
- It’s also a good idea to get dressed cast arm first, so you know what you picked out will work.

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Tips

Enjoy the sympathy you get from everyone. It won't last forever.

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Take pain killers, but ask your doctor before taking anything!

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Relax; don't stress too much.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Fiberglass casts are rough, which makes it difficult to slide sleeves over it. To get your shirt on over your cast easily, put a plastic bag over the cast first, slide the sleeve over it, and then pull the bag off.
If your broken arm is preventing you from playing the sports you love, you can still watch your favorite sports! Go to a game with friends or watch on TV from home.
Kicking a soccer ball around is a fun activity you don't need your hands for. Just be careful not to fall and injure your arm even more!
Be careful itching your arm under your cast; it might make the itch worse! Try to ignore it if you can until it goes away.

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Warnings

Don't try doing any risky things while the cast is on.

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Before you draw on your cast, remember that it's permanent and it will be on your cast until you get it off.

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