Childhood is a time of energy, activity and curiosity. Children are constantly on the move, whether it’s running, jumping, playing sports, dancing, climbing or simply roughhousing with their siblings or friends.

All of this physical activity places a lot of stress on a child’s growing bones and muscles. This puts them at a higher risk of fractures, which are common among children of all ages.

What is a Fracture?

A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. Children are more susceptible to fractures because their bones are still growing and developing.

Their bones are also softer and more flexible than adult bones, which makes them prone to bending and breaking with less force.

Statistics on Children’s Fractures

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, children have a 70% higher risk of fractures compared to adults.

This is due to a number of factors, including their high level of physical activity, their developing bones, and their lack of experience with the world around them.

The most common types of fractures among children are:.

Clavicle fractures (broken collarbone)
Forearm fractures (broken arm)
Tibia fractures (broken shinbone)
Ankle fractures (broken ankle)
Hand fractures (broken hand)

Causes of Fractures in Children

Fractures in children can be caused by a number of factors, including:.

Accidents on the playground, at home, or while playing sports
Repetitive stress on a bone from participating in a sport or activity
Child abuse or neglect

Preventing Fractures in Children

Preventing fractures in children is important to ensure their overall health and well-being. Here are some tips for preventing fractures in children:.

Supervise young children at all times, especially on the playground or near water
Encourage children to wear proper safety gear when participating in sports (e.g. helmets, wrist guards, knee pads, etc.)
Make sure children are properly trained and have proper equipment when participating in sports
Provide a safe environment at home, including childproofing measures and safe storage of dangerous items (e.g. medications, cleaning products, etc.)
Encourage children to take breaks during physical activities to prevent overuse injuries

Symptoms of Fractures in Children

It can be difficult to detect a fracture in a child, especially if they are too young to communicate their discomfort. Here are some common symptoms of fractures in children:.

Pain and swelling at the site of the injury
Tenderness when touched
Difficulty moving the affected limb
Deformity in the affected limb
Bruising or redness in the affected area

Treatment for Fractures in Children

If your child has a suspected fracture, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Depending on the severity of the fracture, treatment may include:.

Immobilization of the affected limb with a cast or brace
Reduction (putting the bone back in place) with or without anesthesia
Surgery to repair the fracture
Pain management with over-the-counter or prescription medication
Physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in the affected limb

Conclusion

Fractures are a common occurrence in childhood and can be caused by accidents, sports injuries, and overuse. Fortunately, with proper prevention and treatment, most fractures heal completely within a few weeks to a few months.

If you suspect your child has a fracture, seek medical attention immediately to ensure the best possible outcome.