Community Health Network

Arm Pain
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Symptom
Description

Should I
Call?

Care at
Home

Does this describe your child's symptoms?

Definition

Pain in the arms
The pain is not due to a known injury
Minor muscle strain and overuse injury are covered in this topic

Causes

Arm pains are unusual
Main Causes: Strained muscles from overuse injury (e.g., excessive throwing or swimming)
Brief pains (1 to 15 minutes) are usually due to muscle spasms. These are rare and usually follow prolonged writing.
Continuous acute pains (hours to 3 days) are usually due to overstrenuous activities or forgotten muscle injuries during the preceding day. These are most common in the shoulder area.
Mild muscle aches also occur with many viral illnesses.
Serious Causes: fractures, arthritis, neuritis

If not, see these topics

Follows injury, see ARM INJURY

Should I
Call?

Care at
Home

When to Call Your Doctor

	Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If
	Not moving or too weak to stand
	Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
	Your child looks or acts very sick Swollen joint Bright red area on skin Muscle weakness or can't use arm Numbness (loss of sensation) present over 1 hour Severe pain or cries when arm touched or moved
	Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
	You think your child needs to be seen Fever is present Painful joint and can't move it normally
	Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
	You have other questions or concerns Cause of arm pain is uncertain Arm pain present over 7 days Arm pains or muscle cramps are a recurrent chronic problem
	Parent Care at Home If
	Caused by strained muscles from excessive use Cause is obvious and harmless (e.g.,sliver that's removed, a recent shot)

Symptom
Description

Care at
Home

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR OVERUSE INJURY (STRAINED MUSCLES)

Reassurance:
- Strained muscles are very common following vigorous activity (overuse injury) (e.g., repeatedly throwing a ball). We can treat them at home.
- Apply a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a wet cloth to the sore muscles for 20
  minutes several times on the first 2 days.
Pain: For pain relief, give acetaminophen every 4 hours OR ibuprofen every 6 hours as needed. (See Dosage table)
Hot Bath: If stiffness persists over 48 hours, have your child relax in a hot bath for 20 minutes 2 times per day, and gently exercise the involved part under water.
Expected Course: A strained muscle hurts for 2 or 3 days. The pain often peaks on day 2. Following severe overuse, the pain may last a week.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Swollen joint or fever occurs
- Pain caused by work or exercise persists over 7 days
- Pain becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Symptom
Description

Should I
Call?

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: 1/19/2009

Last Revised: 7/15/2008

Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Online