Broken Arm in Children: Care Instructions
Overview
Fractures can range from a small, hairline crack, to a bone or bones broken into two or more pieces. Your child's treatment depends on how bad the break is.
Your doctor may have put your child's arm in a splint or cast to allow it to heal or to keep it stable until you see another doctor. It may take weeks or months for your child's arm to heal. You can help your child's arm heal with some care at home.
Healthy habits can help your child heal. Give your child a variety of healthy foods. And don't smoke around your child.
Your child may have had a sedative to help them relax. Your child may be unsteady after having sedation. It takes time (sometimes a few hours) for the medicine's effects to wear off. Common side effects of sedation include nausea, vomiting, and feeling sleepy or cranky.
The doctor has checked your child carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
How can you care for your child at home?
- Put ice or a cold pack on your child's arm for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when your child is awake). Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's cast or splint. Keep the cast or splint dry.
- Follow the cast care instructions your doctor gives you. If your child has a splint, do not take it off unless your doctor tells you to.
- Be safe with medicines. Give pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
- If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- Prop up your child's arm on pillows when your child sits or lies down in the first few days after the injury. Keep the arm higher than the level of your child's heart. This will help reduce swelling.
- Make sure your child follows instructions for exercises that can keep the arm strong.
- Ask your child to wiggle their fingers and wrist often to reduce swelling and stiffness.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- Your child is very sleepy and is hard to wake up.
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child has new or worse nausea or vomiting.
- Your child has new or worse pain.
- Your child's hand or fingers are cool or pale or change colour.
- Your child's cast or splint feels too tight.
- Your child has tingling, weakness, or numbness in the hand or fingers.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- Your child does not get better as expected.
- Your child has problems with the cast or splint.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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Current as of: July 17, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
