Instructions

• Instructions for new users

Call 911 Now If:

• Not moving or too weak to stand

Call Your Doctor Now If:

• Your child looks or acts very sick
• Swollen joint
• Calf pain on 1 side lasts > 12 hours
• Bright red area on skin
• Muscle weakness or can't stand or walk
• Numbness (loss of sensation) present > 1 hour
• Severe pain or cries when limb touched or moved

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours If:

• You think your child needs to be seen
• Fever is present
• Pain makes child walk abnormally (has limp)
• Painful joint and can't move it normally

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Hours If:

• You have other questions or concerns
• Cause of limb pain is uncertain
• Limb pain present > 7 days
• Limb pains are a recurrent ongoing problem

Home Care (Read "Call Your Doctor…" first):

Treatment For Muscle Cramps

• Muscle cramps in the feet or calf muscles occur in a third of children
• During attacks, stretch the painful muscle by pulling the foot and toes upward as far as they will go to break the spasm
• Stretch the muscle in the direction opposite to how it is being pulled by the cramp or spasm
• Apply a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a wet cloth to the painful muscle for 20 minutes
• If these are heat cramps (occurring during exercise on a hot day), give lots of water to drink in addition to stretching the muscle and an ice pack

Future attacks may be prevented by daily stretching exercises of the heel cords. (Stand with the knees straight and stretch the ankles by leaning forward against a wall).

Also give the feet more room to move at night by placing a pillow under the covers at the foot of the bed. Also be sure your child gets enough calcium in the diet.

Treatment For Strained Muscles from Excessive Use

• 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
• Give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen for pain relief
• If stiffness persists > 48 hours, have your child relax in a hot bath for 20 minutes twice a day, and gently exercise the involved part under water

Expected Course

Muscle cramps usually last 5 to 30 minutes. Once they resolve, the muscle returns to normal quickly. A strained muscle hurts for 2 or 3 days. The pain often peaks on day 2.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Muscle cramps occur more frequently
• Child develops a limp, a swollen joint, or a fever
• Pain caused by work or exercise persists > 7 days
• Pain becomes worse
• Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor…" symptoms