Kids who get into scrapes or suffer overuse injuries from sports need gentle pain relief. Several home treatments can provide immediate and safe relief when prescription and over-the-counter drugs aren't necessary or pose a risk. Whether your family requires soothing care for mild pain or long-term child injury recovery measures, doctors endorse some natural methods that work. Best of all, children may accept these nonmedicinal remedies more readily than pills.
Cold Soaks
For minor toe stubs, jammed fingers, bruises or swelling, doctors at Seattle Children's Hospital recommend home treatment in a cold water bath. Although fingers and toes may "prune," 20 minutes in cold water will relieve and in some cases eliminate pain from mild child injury or irritation of fingers and toes. Use a bowl, bucket or another soft-edged container. Kids probably won't take to ice-cold water, so simply add some fresh water for more chill if the room temperature warms the bath before time is up.
Rest
For a more serious child injury that takes kids off their feet, such as a sprained knees or ankles, rest does double duty as pain relief and recuperative aid. In fact, pediatricians at the Nemour's Foundation insist that rest is a prerequisite for recovery. Resting hurt joints or muscles eases inflammation and pain, allowing children's bodies to self-heal. It also prevents compounding the damage. Your child's doctor may suggest avoiding either a certain type of sport or all activity, for a few days after an acute child injury or perhaps for months following injury from overuse.
Elevation
Throbbing pain from elbow, wrist, knee or ankle sprains may be decreased through elevation. Physicians at University of Maryland Medical Center suggest raising the affected areas above the heart for this type of pain relief, even when sleeping. This simple home treatment can be done with pillows, but make sure to stabilize them to avoid uncomfortable movements.
Cold Packs
Give your children immediate pain relief from pulled muscles and joint sprains with cold pack therapy. A bag of frozen peas works in an emergency as a cold compress, but for repeat use, purchase a reusable, flexible gel pack, available at some pharmacies. Chill it in the refrigerator for a gentle application that kids will appreciate. Place the pack directly against the skin or on a towel at the injury site for 15 minutes at a time. Doctors at University of Maryland Medical Center say that this home treatment can be used as often as once per hour.
