Hand Doctors Explain How to Know If a Child’s Wrist is Broken
It’s September already, and school has started – which is taking new formats this year due to the pandemic!
For younger children returning to a physical schoolhouse can mean monkey bars and roughhousing on the playground. For older kids, it may be time for cheerleader and team tryouts, gym class, and other athletic activities.
But even children who are distance learning at home, have lots of pent up energy from hours spent on a computer. And parents are eager to send them outdoors when online classes are done – for fresh air and free time.
Unfortunately, in all of these scenarios – from organized sports to backyard hijinks – childhood injuries are an inevitable part of growing up. And wrist injuries are among the most common sports or play injury in children of any age.
As with many common injury, it can be hard for parents to determine when the child needs to be taken for medical attention, and when the pain or discomfort is simply temporary and will resolve on its own. For this reasons, parents often choose to take a “wait and see” approach with a child’s wrist injury. And “wait and see” is even more common during COVID-19, now that parents are trying to avoid unnecessary trips out of the house.
For a less serious wrist injury this approach is fine, but for fractures it is important to seek early medical intervention with a hand doctor as soon as possible. So how does a parent know if a wrist is broken?
Hand doctors are frequently asked “how do I know if my child’s wrist is broken?” In this article board certified hand surgeon Doctor Rehman addresses this important issue. Of course, when there is any doubt it is always best to take your child to a hand doctor for examination.
How did the child’s broken wrist happen?
Knowing how the child’s wrist injury occurred is helpful in making a diagnosis of a broken wrist. Most commonly, a wrist injury occurs when the child falls onto an outstretched hand – sometimes abbreviated as “FOOSH”. Aggressive twisting or direct contact, such as a blow to the wrist can also cause a broken wrist.
Where is the child’s wrist pain?
If the pain is at the base of the thumb – or there is increased pain in the wrist and thumb area with movement, it can be an indication of a broken wrist
Bruising and swelling in the area of the hand, thumb, wrist or forearm after an impact can also indicate a broken wrist.
Other Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Wrist
Decreased range of motion – limiting movement of the wrist in some way – can be a sign of a break.
Additionally, difficulty or pain gripping or grasping objects – such as a pen or ball – can be an indication that the wrist is broken. If this persists for more than a day or two, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out a broken wrist.
What to do if you suspect a child’s broken wrist
If the injury occurred at school or during practice, a coach or trainer may be trained to wrap or immobilize the injured wrist until your child can be fully evaluated. Applying ice to the injured wrist is also an excellent idea, as it will help reduce swelling.
Diagnostic imaging – X-ray, MRI or CT scan – is the only way to tell with certainty if a broken wrist has occurred.
If you suspect a broken wrist during regular business hours, let out staff know and Doctor Rehman will get your child in for an evaluation and X-ray right away. If the injury occurred after hours or on the weekend, taking your child to urgent care is a good option.
If a child’s broken wrist is left untreated, it can result in a lifetime of pain, instability and even a loss of motion. So it is important to identify and treat a broken wrist as soon as possible.
What happens if my child’s wrist is broken?
Once a broken wrist diagnosis is made, your child’s hand doctor will determine the best treatment plan. This may include having the wrist set in a cast – which can take remain on for four to six weeks while the wrist heals. In more extreme broken wrists, surgery if necessary. The sport or activities your child plays – and the severity of her or his wrist injury – will determine the length of time before he or she can get back to their regular interests.
Top Oakland County Children’s Hand Doctor
If your child is suffering from an injury or pain in their fingers, wrist, elbow or arm, contact Oakland County children’s hand doctor Dr. Rehman for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation. As with most medical conditions, early detection, awareness, and a prevention or treatment plan is the most effective way to treat a broken wrist and prevent long term complications
Doctor Rehman will assess your individual situation, and prescribe the treatments that are best for your condition.
