COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES AND CONDITIONS

SPRAIN/STRAIN

A sprain is an injury to the muscles and/or ligaments.

HOME CARE

• Treat most sports injuries with RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) for the first 24 - 48 hours.
• Give ibuprofen three times per day according to package dosing directions (or refer to our ibuprofen dosing chart on page 68). This will help decrease swelling and tissue damage.

• Apply continuous compression with a snug (but not tight) elastic bandage or ace wrap.
• Apply crushed ice in a plastic bag for 20 minutes every hour while awake.
  
  

CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your child is under 6 months old
• The bone is deformed or crooked
• Your child won't move the injured area normally
• Your child won't bear weight on her legs for more than 24 hours
• A severe limp or fever is present