Care Advice
What You Should Know About Mild Arm Pain:
- Strained muscles are common after using them too much during sports.
- An example is throwing a ball over and over again.
- Weekend warriors who are out of shape get the most muscle pains.
- Here is some care advice that should help.
Pain Medicine:
- To help with the pain, give an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol).
- Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil).
- Use as needed.
Cold Pack for Pain:
- 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.
Use Heat After 48 Hours:
- 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.
- Reason: increase blood flow and improve healing.
- Caution: avoid burns.
What to Expect:
- A strained muscle hurts for 2 or 3 days.
- The pain often peaks on day 2.
- After severe overuse, the pain may last a week.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Fever or swollen joint occurs
- Pain caused by work or sports lasts over 7 days
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Pain gets worse
Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.