Kids will be kids, playing, running, and jumping. But sometimes accidents happen. Many of these result in fractures of the arm, wrist, ankle, or leg. The good news is that 90 percent of all children's fractures do not require surgery.
Following the injury: Immediate steps to take
- First, help your child calm down and support the injured area.
- Apply ice to the injured area, but never more than 20 minutes.
- Look for these common signs of a broken bone:
- Pain and swelling in the injured area
- Tenderness or bruising
- Visibly crooked or deformed body parts at the site of the injury
- If any of the symptoms are present or if you just are not sure if there is a break, a trip to your primary care provider, the emergency room, or urgent care is needed.
Most Common Fractures
The most common fractures are also the easiest to treat.
- Buckle fracture to wrist
- Fibula growth plate on outside of ankle
- Elbow
- Toddler's fracture to the tibia
- Fingers or toes
Are Multiple Breaks Cause for Concern?
Certain types of fractures are prone to reoccurrence such as a fracture mid-forearm. This isn't necessarily cause for concern unless there is a family history of bone density issues. By a child's third fracture, the orthopedist may suggest a workup to rule out underlying issues.