If you have kids, you know how carefree and rambunctious they can be. Children are still figuring out how to navigate the world around them and that often comes with injuries. While we try everything we can as parents to keep our kids out of harm’s way, some things are unavoidable. If you suspect your child has broken a bone, don’t panic. Let’s go over everything you need to do if your child has broken a bone.
How to Tell if a Bone is Broken
Being able to identify a broken bone is not as easy as you may think. Broken bones are easy to confuse with sprains or fractures. It can be especially difficult when it comes to children as they are not able to express and identify pain in the way an adult would. If you were present for the injury, you may have heard an audible snap or grinding sound when the incident took place. This is often a telltale sign of a broken bone.
If you did not see the injury occur, observe the area and look for any signs of swelling, bruising or tenderness. If the injured area is difficult to move or if your child is unable to move the area themselves, you’ve likely got a broken bone on your hands. However, keep in mind that your child may be able to move the area even with a broken bone, so it is important to have access to your closest Urgent Care Lexington ky.
What to Do
The first thing you need to do is make sure that you don’t see the bone coming through the skin. If this has occurred, the only course of action to take is to call 911. Do not try to move your child or push the bone back under the skin. This type of injury will require medical attention immediately and you will want professionals to help get your child to the hospital.
For broken bones that are not coming through the skin, you will want to ensure that you are getting your child to an Urgent Care as soon as possible. However, you should be okay to transport your child on your own. There are some things you can do to help keep your child comfortable until they get to Urgent Care. You will first want to gently remove any clothing that is covering the injured areas. You may have to cut away clothing if you cannot remove the garment without causing pain. They will end up doing this at Urgent Care regardless.
Next you can apply an ice pack to the area. Make sure to never apply the ice directly to the skin, and instead wrap it in a towel or cloth. If your child is only enough, allow them to hold the cold compress to the area as they will be able to dictate how much pressure can be applied without pain. You will also want to stabilize the injured area with a splint or use a cushion or pillow to support the area.
Lastly, you will want to withhold water and food in case your child has to undergo anesthesia during treatment. You may instinctively want to give your child a treat to help keep them calm but this can be counterintuitive should your child need surgery. Additionally, avoid giving your child any oral painkillers, as they may interact with medications that the doctor wants to give your child. Stick with the cold compress until you can see the doctor.
Receiving Treatment
In most cases, children’s bones can be healed with a molded cast. Because children’s bones are more flexible compared to adults, they are better at absorbing shock. This makes it less likely that a child’s broken bones would require surgical repair. However, because children’s bones are still growing and developing, you want to ensure that you are receiving treatment from someone who specializes in pediatric care. Many children experience breaks and fractures in the parts of the bone where growth happens. If a child’s growth plate is damaged and not repaired correctly, it can impede the bone from growing properly, making it all the more important to seek out medical professionals in pediatrics.
On The Mend
Once your child receives treatment, your focus will shift to keeping them comfortable as they heal and helping your child to follow aftercare instructions. Watching your child go through an injury can be scary, but just remind yourself that this is a natural part of childhood. As your kids learn to explore and navigate the world they will likely incur an injury or two, but the important part is knowing how to handle these situations as they occur.
