Arm Injury

DEFINITION

• Injuries to arm (shoulder to fingers)
• Injuries to a bone, muscle, joint or ligament

• Fractures (broken bones). A broken collarbone (clavicle) is the most common fracture of childhood.  Easy to recognize because the collar bone is tender to touch and the child is unwilling to raise the arm upward.
• Dislocations (bone out of joint). A pulled elbow is the most common dislocation of childhood.  It's caused by an adult suddenly pulling or lifting a child by the arm.  Mainly 1 to 4 year olds. Easy to recognize because the child holds his arm as if it were in a sling with the elbow bent and the palm down.
• Sprains - stretches and tears of ligaments
• Strains - stretches and tears of muscles (e.g., pulled muscle)
• Muscle overuse injuries from sports or exercise
• Muscle bruise from a direct blow
• Bone bruise from a direct blow

• MILD: doesn’t interfere with normal activities
• MODERATE: interferes with normal activities or awakens from sleep
• SEVERE: excruciating pain, unable to do any normal activities, incapacitated by pain

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• Involves finger, see FINGER OR TOE INJURY
• Only has cuts, scrapes, or bruises, see CUTS, SCRAPES, or BRUISES (SKIN INJURY)

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MINOR ARM INJURIES

1. Reassurance: Bruised muscles or bones can be treated at home.
2. Pain: For pain relief, give acetaminophen every 4 hours OR ibuprofen every 6 hours as needed. (See Dosage Table). Ibuprofen is more effective for this type of pain.
3. Local Cold: For bruises or swelling, apply a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a wet cloth to the area for 20 minutes per hour. Repeat for 4 consecutive hours. (Reason: reduce the bleeding and pain)
4. Local Heat: After 48 hours, apply a warm wet washcloth or heating pad for 10 minutes 3 times per day to help absorb the blood.
5. Rest:
   • Rest the injured part as much as possible for 48 hours.
   • For pulled muscles, teach your youngster about stretching exercises and strength training.
6. Expected Course: Pain and swelling usually peak on day 2 or 3. Swelling is usually gone by 7 days. Pain may take 2 weeks to completely resolve.
7. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Pain becomes severe
   • Pain is not improving after 3 days
   • Pain lasts over 2 weeks
   • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.