Sprained Wrists In Children
Unfortunately, it’s a fact of parenthood that our kids will injury their hand, wrist or fingers at one time or another. While toddlers and teens are most at risk for these injuries, they can happen at any age.
So – whether your two year old fell climbing to get the cookies, or your twelve year old wiped out on her skateboard – you may be dealing with a wrist sprain at some point.
What is a sprained wrist?
Ligaments are the strong tissues that connect the bones, keep them in place, and support the child’s joints. A wrist sprain happens when one or more ligaments in a child’s wrist stretches or tears due to a fall or other trauma.
How Do I Know if My Child Sprained His Wrist?
The signs and symptoms of a wrist sprain include:
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Bruising
- Changes in skin color
- Popping Sound when child moves the wrist
Only a doctor or medical professional can determine if your child’s injury is just a strain, truly a sprain, or more seriously a fracture (broken bone).
The doctor will examine your child’s wrist and hand and ask about their symptoms. Typically, the doctor will order an x-ray, an MRI, or a CT scan of his or her wrist, to see if the ligaments are torn or the bone is broken.
How Hand Surgeons Treat a Sprained Wrist?
Medical treatment for a sprain depends on how severe your child’s wrist sprain is.
Over the counter meds such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be prescribed to help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. Do not give these medicines to children without direction from your child’s healthcare provider, especially under 6 months of age.
A splint or cast may be put in place by the doctor to help support your child’s wrist and prevent more damage. Do not try to splint your child’s wrist without a doctor or nurse, as it needs to be in the correct position to heal properly.
In rare cases, if your child’s wrist sprain is severe, surgery may be needed to repair the ligament. Arthroscopic surgery (using a scope that is inserted through a very small incision) can be performed with almost no pain and minimal scarring by and experienced hand doctor like Dr. Rehman.
Finally, physical therapy may be recommended. Our skilled physical therapists teach your child exercises in a fun and engaging manner, to help improve movement and strength, decrease pain, and ensure full restoration of mobility.
Top Oakland County Hand Surgeon
If you are suffering from an injury or pain in your fingers, wrist, elbow or arm, contact board certified Oakland County hand surgeon Doctor 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 combat conditions of the hand, wrist and arm.
Doctor Rehman will assess your individual situation, and prescribe the treatments that are best for your condition.
