Question
A child around six months old suddenly felt pain in their left arm while playing, not at the joint connection but at the bend of the arm. Parents are seeking guidance on how to handle the situation to alleviate the child’s pain.
Answer
Based on the description, the child may have suffered an acute shoulder joint strain. The first step is to allow the child to rest and recommend a visit to an orthopedic clinic for realignment treatment. If symptoms are not severe, it may be a soft tissue injury, in which case it is advisable to avoid vigorous exercise and massage. In case of bleeding, a hospital visit for tetanus antitoxin injection is required. At the same time, reduce the activity of the injured arm of the child, and apply heat compresses after 48 hours, for 15 to 20 minutes each time, twice or thrice daily. For scalp injuries, use iodine tincture for disinfection and keep the wound clean and dry to prevent infection.