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Arm Pain in Children: Care Instructions

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Overview

Your child can hurt an arm by using it too much or by injuring it. Biking and wrestling are examples of activities that can lead to arm pain. Everyday wear and tear, especially as your child gets older, can cause arm pain. Your child's forearms, wrists, hands, and fingers are the parts of the arm that are most likely to become painful.

A minor arm injury usually will heal on its own with home treatment to relieve swelling and pain. If your child has a more serious injury, your child may need tests and treatment.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

  • Give pain medicines exactly as directed.
    • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
    • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • Make sure your child rests and protects the arm. Have your child take a break from any activity that may cause pain.
  • Put ice or a cold pack on the arm for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's skin.
  • Prop up the sore arm on a pillow when icing it or anytime your child sits or lies down during the next 3 days. Try to keep the arm above the level of your child's heart. This will help reduce swelling.
  • If your doctor recommends a sling to support the arm, make sure your child wears it as directed.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • Your child's arm or hand is cool or pale or changes color.
  • Your child has new or worse pain.
  • Your child cannot use the arm.
  • Your child has signs of infection, such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
    • Red streaks running up or down the arm.
    • Pus draining from an area of the arm.
    • A fever.
  • Your child has tingling, weakness, or numbness in the arm.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • Your child does not get better as expected.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter V925 in the search box to learn more about "Arm Pain in Children: Care Instructions".

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.