Is My Child's Bone Broken?

Children can sustain both minor and more serious injuries, such as broken bones, while playing with friends in the neighborhood, running around the playground at school, or participating in sports. Determining if your child’s injured limb is broken is not always clear but there are certain symptoms that point to a fracture, such as difficulty straightening the injured limb. Dr. Elizabeth Yakubu and Dr. Alrick Drummond, the skilled pediatricians at Children’s Health Center in Tampa and Riverview, FL, can determine if your child’s bone is broken and help it heal.

Signs of a Broken Bone

One indication that your child might have a broken bone is not wanting to move the injured area. For example, children often avoid moving or using an arm that has sustained a fracture or break. Additional signs your child has a broken bone include:

• Pain or tenderness in the affected area
• Bruising around the injury site
• Difficulty straightening the injured limb 
• Swelling around the injured area
• Numbness of the affected area
  
  

It is always wise to see a pediatrician for any injury, even if you don’t think a bone is broken. The doctor can confirm whether or not a fracture occurred and prescribe an appropriate treatment to help the injured area heal properly.

First Aid for Broken Bones

If you suspect your child has a broken bone, be sure to see a pediatrician at our office in Tampa, FL, right away. However, there are some first aid measures that can be taken as soon as the injury occurs before heading to the doctor. Steps to take immediately include:

• Give an over-the-counter pain reliever according to the dose indicated for your child’s age or weight
• Avoid moving the injured area much
• Utilize a sling or splint, if available
• Elevate the injured limb or area, if possible  
• Apply an ice pack to the injured area
  
  

When to Seek Emergency Care

In some cases, a broken bone requires emergency care. Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department if any of the following have occurred:

• A bone is protruding 
• The broken limb looks deformed 
• The broken limb appears bluish or is an unusual color 
• There is substantial bleeding that will not stop 
• There is a large cut near the injury site 
• Your child has sustained an arm injury and is in severe pain
  
  

If you believe your child has sustained a broken bone, we can help. Dr. Yakubu or Dr. Drummond can take X-ray images and examine the injured area to determine if a fracture occurred. Whether it is a broken bone or another injury, the doctor can recommend a specific course of treatment. To schedule an appointment with one of our experienced pediatricians, call Children’s Health Center in Tampa, FL, at (813) 914-7772. Our Riverview office can be reached at (813) 677-2222.