Pediatric Fracture Treatment in North Wilkesboro, NC
Whether it's playing outside or participating in team sports, kids fall down. As a result, most of the fractures children experience occur in the wrist and arm because these are the areas used when you brace yourself against a fall.
It is very important to treat a bone break as quickly as possible, not only to lessen the pain but to ensure that the bones heal properly. A bone that isn't properly reset by a doctor could eventually lead to diminished strength in the injured joint and even osteoarthritis If you believe your child has a broken bone, please call (423) 482-8711 or contact AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center online.
Signs That a Bone Has Been Broken
A severe bone break will have visibly apparent symptoms such as a deformity, or even a bone protruding from the skin. In these cases, an immediate trip to the emergency room is necessary.
For some smaller fractures, the signs may not be as evident. However, identifying a bone break quickly is your best chance to ensure that it heals properly. Here are some symptoms associated with a broken bone:
- Tenderness
- Stiffness
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Discoloration
- Numbness
Common Types of Pediatric Fractures
Because a child's bones are still developing, they tend to be more flexible than an adult's. This doesn't prevent them from breaking, but the breaks are often an incomplete fracture, which is a term used to describe a bone that has not separated into two parts.
Two of the most common incomplete fractures are:
- Greenstick fracture: The bone cracks, but not all the way. This fracture got its name because the break is similar to what happens when you try to break a fresh green stick.
- Buckle (torus) fracture: One side of the bone compresses and makes the other side bend (buckle).
Even with flexible bones a child can still experience more severe breaks such as a comminuted fracture which might require surgery to realign.
Diagnosing and Treating a Pediatric Fracture
The first thing your doctor will do to determine if a break occurred is to perform a physical exam to test for signs of pain or tenderness. An x-ray will also be taken to get a closer look at the condition of your child's bones.
The most important thing at this stage is to realign the bones so that they heal properly. This can usually be done manually, but in severe cases, surgery may be required to install pins, plates, or screws to hold the bones in place.
After the bones are realigned, your child may require some of the following:
- Immobilization of the injured area with a cast, splint, or sling
- R.I.C.E.: Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate
- Medication to reduce pain and inflammation
Doing Your Best to Prevent Breaks
Accidents will happen, but there are steps you can take to ensure your child's health and safety. Regular exercise, a calcium-rich diet, and wearing protective gear when playing sports are just a few ways to accomplish this. If you would like to schedule an appointment to speak with a doctor on other ways to ensure your child's health and safety, please call (423) 482-8711 or contact AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center online.
AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center
Address
1604 Lamons LaneSuite 202
Johnson City, TN 37604
(423) 482-8711
www.awaremed.com
Hours
Mon:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tue:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wed:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thu:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm