About your visit

Your child has broken their arm, and we have placed the arm in a cast to stabilise and support the arm while the fracture heals.

Appointments and the plan for your child’s treatment can be found in your child’s medical record.

When you get home

The arm may be swollen and feel sore
It is normal for your child to feel slight pain or discomfort around the fracture in the beginning. Your child’s fingers and wrist may be a bit swollen and the colour of the skin might change.

Keep the arm elevated
If your child complains of pain or swelling, make sure they keep the arm above heart level for 1-2 hours. This can be done by lying down with the arm resting against the backrest of a sofa or a wall, possibly with a few pillows under the arm for additional support.

Give your child pain-relieving medicine, if necessary
You can give your child pain-relieving medicine if they are in pain. Pain-relieving medicine for children can be bought over the counter. Only give your child the amount of pain reliever recommended on the package.

The cast should not be too tight
The cast should not be too tight. The joints outside the cast must be able to move freely without bumping into the cast. Your child must be able to:

• bend and stretch their fingers without issue
• move their elbow freely.

Make sure your child uses their arm, but avoid certain sports and games
Your child should move their arm as much as possible.
However, there are some limitations as the cast might get damaged:

• Avoid boisterous games like tag and pillow fights.
• Avoid contact sports such as football and karate.
• Avoid swimming as the plaster must not get wet.
• Make sure your child does not lift or carry heavy objects or dangle by their arms.
• Make sure that no grime such as sand or soil gets under the cast.

Protect the cast when bathing
Avoid getting the cast wet. We recommend that the cast be covered in a plastic bag when your child bathes.

Contact us or the 1813 helpline in case of problems or deterioration
Problems can occur, such as:

• your child does not start using the arm within 1 week
• the swelling gets worse and the cast begins to tighten
• your child’s fingers become very hot or cold compared to the other hand
• a tingling or prickling sensation develops in your child’s fingers
• the pain from the fracture does not subside
• the cast irritates or chafes the skin
• the cast cracks or becomes damaged
• the cast becomes loose.

If any of the above happens, contact us or the 1813 emergency hotline.

Worth knowing

Check your child’s medical journal
You can ask for a copy of your child’s medical journal before you leave the hospital. You can access your child's medical records and health data at www.minsundhedsplatform.dk and www.sundhed.dk  They are both available as apps: MinSP og MinSundhed. You will need to fill out a power of attorney at the hospital before you can gain access. Contact us if you did not fill out a power of attorney before leaving the hospital.

Your child’s personal data
The Capital Region of Denmark uses the personal data you share with us when you make an enquiry about your child.
You can read more about how we use data and the rights of your child on our website: www.regionh.dk/persondatapolitik. Search 'Personal data policy'.