Elbow Sprain in Children: Care Instructions

An elbow sprain occurs when your child overstretches or tears the ligaments around the elbow. Ligaments are the tough tissues that connect one bone to another. A sprain can happen when your child falls, plays sports, or does chores around the house.

Most sprains will heal with some treatment at home.

• Follow your doctor's directions for having your child wear a splint, an elbow pad, a sling, or an elastic bandage. Wrapping the elbow may help reduce or prevent swelling.
• Make sure your child rests and protects the elbow. Do not allow any activity that hurts the elbow.
• Put ice or a cold pack on your child's elbow for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try this every 1 to 2 hours for 3 days (when your child is awake). Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's skin.
• After 2 or 3 days, you can try applying heat to the area that hurts. Apply heat for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. You might also try switching between ice and heat. Keep the splint dry.
• Prop up your child's elbow on a pillow when you ice it or anytime your child sits or lies down during the next 3 days. Try to keep the elbow above the level of the heart. This will help reduce swelling.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • Store your child’s prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
• Let your child return to their usual level of activity slowly.