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

Involves finger, see FINGER OR TOE INJURY
Only has cuts, scrapes, or bruises, see SKIN INJURY

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

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.
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.
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

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