ARM OR LEG INJURY

Injury Definition

• Injuries to a bone, muscle, joint or ligament.
• Injuries to arms and legs.

Types of Arm or Leg 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 (e.g., shin splints of lower leg)
• Muscle bruise from a direct blow (e.g., thigh muscles)
• Bone bruise from a direct blow (e.g., hip or elbow)

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• Involves finger or toe, see FINGER OR TOE INJURY.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR ARM OR LEG INJURY

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 less than 1 year old.
• Bicycle spoke or washing machine wringer injury.
• Severe pain.
• Won't stand or walk / Has a limp when walking.
• Unable to move arm normally (especially if someone pulled on the arm).
• Joint nearest the injury can't be moved fully (opened and closed).
• Knee injury with a "snap" or "pop" felt at the time of impact.

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

• You think your child needs to be seen.

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If:

• You have other questions or concerns

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 MILD ARM OR LEG INJURIES

1. Treatment of Pulled Muscle, Bruised Muscle or Bruised Bone:
   • Apply an ice bag or massage the area with ice 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 4 times per day for pain. Continue for at least 48 hours.
   • Rest the injured part as much as possible for 48 hours.
   • For pulled muscles, teach the youngster about stretching exercises and strength training.
2. Treatment of Mild Sprains (stretched ligaments) of Ankle or Knee:
   • First aid: immediate compression and ice to reduce bleeding, swelling, and pain.
   • Treat with R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) for the first 24 to 48 hours.
   • Apply compression with a snug, elastic bandage for 48 hours.  Numbness, tingling, or increased pain means the bandage is too tight.
   • Apply crushed ice in a plastic bag for 20 minutes per hour.  Repeat for 4 consecutive hours.
   • Give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen 4 times per day for pain. Continue for at least 48 hours.
   • Keep injured ankle or knee elevated and at rest for 24 hours.
   • After 24 hours, allow any activity that doesn't cause pain.
3. 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.
4. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Pain becomes severe.
   • Pain is not improving after 3 days.
   • Pain lasts more than 2 weeks.
   • Your child becomes worse or 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.

Pediatric HouseCalls Online. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2004

See Other Topics:

• Finger or Toe Injury

View Anatomic Index of Topics