Arm Pain

DEFINITION

• Pain in the arms (shoulder to fingers)
• Includes shoulder, elbow, wrist and finger joints
• The pain is not due to a known injury
• Minor muscle strain and overuse injury are covered in this topic

• Arm pains are unusual
• Main Causes: Strained muscles from overuse injury (e.g., excessive throwing or swimming)
• Brief pains (1 to 15 minutes) are usually due to muscle spasms. These usually occur in the hand and follow prolonged writing or typing.
• Continuous acute pains (hours to 7 days) are usually due to overstrenuous activities or forgotten muscle injuries during the preceding day. These are most common in the shoulder area.
• Mild muscle aches also occur with many viral illnesses.
• Serious Causes: fractures, arthritis (joint infection) and neuritis (nerve infection)

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• Follows injury, see ARM INJURY

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR OVERUSE INJURY (STRAINED MUSCLES)

1. Reassurance: Strained muscles are very common following vigorous activity (overuse injury) (e.g., repeatedly throwing a ball). You can treat them at home.
2. Local Cold: Apply a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a wet cloth to the sore muscles for 20 minutes several times on the first 2 days.
3. Pain: For pain relief, give acetaminophen every 4 hours OR ibuprofen every 6 hours as needed. (See Dosage table)
4. Hot Bath: If stiffness persists over 48 hours, have your child relax in a hot bath for 20 minutes 2 times per day, and gently exercise the involved part under water.
5. Expected Course: A strained muscle hurts for 2 or 3 days. The pain often peaks on day 2. Following severe overuse, the pain may last a week.
6. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Fever or swollen joint occurs
   • Pain caused by work or exercise persists over 7 days
   • Pain becomes worse

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