Muscle pain caused by too much exercise or work is covered in Arm Pain. This is called overuse.
Call or Return If
Pain becomes severe
Pain is not better after 3 days
Pain lasts more than 2 weeks
You think your child needs to be seen
Your child becomes worse
About This Topic
Types of Arm or Hand Injuries
Fractures are broken bones. A broken collarbone is the most common broken bone in children. It's easy to notice because the collar bone is tender to touch. Also, the child cannot raise the arm upward.
Dislocations happen when a bone is pulled out of a joint. A dislocated elbow is the most common type of this injury in kids. It's caused by an adult quickly pulling or lifting a child by the arm. Mainly seen in 1 to 4 year olds. It's also easy to spot. The child will hold his arm as if it were in a sling. He will keep the elbow bent and the palm of the hand down.
Sprains - stretches and tears of ligaments
Strains - stretches and tears of muscles (such as a pulled muscle)
Muscle overuse from hard work or sports (such as a sore shoulder)
Muscle bruise from a direct blow
Bone bruise from a direct blow
Symptoms
The main symptom is pain.
Prevention
Careful adult supervision of young children
Education of older children about high risk behaviors
After Care Advice
Overview:
During sports, muscles and bones get bruised.
Muscles get stretched (pulled muscle).
Here is some care advice that should help.
Pain Medicine:
To help with the pain, give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen works well for this type of pain.
Use as needed.
Cold Pack:
For pain or swelling, use a cold pack. You can also use ice wrapped in a wet cloth.
Put it on the sore muscles for 20 minutes.
Repeat 4 times on the first day, then as needed.
Caution: Avoid frostbite.
Heat Pack:
If pain lasts over 2 days, put heat on the sore muscle.
Use a heat pack, heating pad or warm wet washcloth.
Do this for 10 minutes, then as needed.
Caution: Avoid burns.
Rest:
Rest the injured arm as much as possible for 48 hours.
What to Expect:
Pain and swelling most often peak on day 2 or 3.
Swelling should be gone by 7 days.
Pain may take 2 weeks to fully go away.
Author:Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP Copyright
Disclaimer:This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.
