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Advice for a recent paediatric injury
In the first 72 hours, it’s important to:
- rest your injury
- apply a cold pack regularly
- elevate their injury where necessary
- use a sling if they’ve been given one
It’s helpful to remember PRICER:
- Protect
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevate
- Rehabilitation
Medication
Give your child their usual painkillers if needed, for example over-the-counter paracetamol or ibuprofen appropriate for their age.
Cold packs
Ice is a great natural anaesthetic that helps relieve pain and controls swelling. Apply ice packs or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a wet thin towel to your child’s injury for up to 15 minutes every few hours.
Do not place ice in direct contact with the skin.
Sports
Certain injuries may carry an increased risk of further injury up to 12 weeks.
We recommend that your child avoids physical education (PE) until at least 6 weeks after their injury.
Check the rehabilitation plan for your child’s injury for specific advice.