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How can you care for your child who has a broken hand?
- Put ice or a cold pack on your child's hand 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 the doctor gives you. If your child has a splint, do not take it off unless the 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 the doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- Prop up the hand on pillows when your child sits or lies down in the first few days after the injury. Keep the hand higher than the level of your child's heart. This will help reduce swelling.
- Help your child follow instructions for exercises to keep the arm strong.
- Have your child wiggle the hand's uninjured fingers often to reduce swelling and stiffness.
- Tell your child to not use the injured hand to grasp or carry anything.
Broken hand in children: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child has new or worse pain.
- Your child's hand or fingers are cool or pale or change color.
- 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 if:
- Your child does not get better as expected.
- Your child has problems with their cast or splint.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.