Arm Injury

DEFINITION

  • Injuries to arm
  • Injuries to a bone, muscle, joint or ligament

Types of Arm Injuries

  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations (bone out of joint)
  • 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

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If

  • Serious injury with multiple fractures
  • Major bleeding that can't be stopped

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

  • You think your child has a serious injury
  • Looks like a broken bone or dislocated joint
  • Swollen elbow or any large swelling
  • Skin beyond the injury is pale or blue
  • Skin is split open or gaping and may need stitches
  • Age under 1 year old
  • Bicycle spoke or washing machine wringer injury
  • Severe pain
  • Unable to move arm normally (especially if someone pulled on the arm)
  • Joint nearest the injury can't be moved fully (opened and closed)

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If

  • You think your child needs to be seen
  • Pain not improved after 3 days

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

  • You have other questions or concerns
  • Pain lasts over 2 weeks

Parent Care at Home If

  • Bruised muscle or bone from direct blow
  • Pain in muscle (probably from mild pulled muscle)
  • Pain around joint (probably from mild stretched ligament)

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MINOR ARM INJURIES

  1. Treatment of Pulled Muscle, Bruised Muscle or Bruised Bone:
    • 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. After 48 hours, use local heat for 10 minutes 3 times per day to help reabsorb the blood.
    • Give acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen for pain. Continue for at least 48 hours.
    • Rest the injured part as much as possible for 48 hours.
    • For pulled muscles, teach your youngster about stretching exercises and strength training.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

Last Reviewed: 7/15/2007

Last Revised: 8/5/2007

Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Online

Copyright 1994-2007 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.