Shoulder problems and a pale, white, blue, or cold hand or arm

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Shoulder problems and a pale, white, blue, or cold hand or arm

A pale, white, blue, or cold hand or arm can mean blood vessels in the shoulder area have been pinched or injured. Blood vessels may be injured by a direct injury that pinches or damages blood vessels. Examples of direct injuries include gunshot wounds, stab wounds, dislocations, sprains, strains, burns, fractures, crushing injuries, a snakebite, medical procedures, or surgery.

A pale, white, blue, or cold hand or arm that occurs after a shoulder splint has been applied may mean the splint is too tight. The blood supply to the arm may be decreased or cut off. If the splint is too tight:

Loosen the splint but don't remove it.
Elevate your arm above the level of your heart.
Call and discuss your symptoms with your doctor.

Prompt treatment is important to restore blood flow and prevent severe complications.

Credits

Author	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Richard Holtby, MD, BS, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery
Last Updated	October 14, 2005

Last updated:	October 14, 2005
Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Richard Holtby, MD, BS, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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