Broken bones are common injuries in children. These injuries need to be treated promptly to ensure proper healing, since children’s bones and tissues are still in the process of growing. While some pediatric fractures can be treated with a brace or cast, others might need to be treated with surgery. Although these injuries can easily happen, there are ways to lower your child’s risk. Keep the following tips in mind for preventing pediatric fractures.
Vitamin D and Calcium
These nutrients play important roles in ensuring strong and healthy bones in children. Make sure your children have plenty of foods and drinks that contain vitamin D and calcium as part of their regular diet. Children should have the recommended daily dosage of 600 IU for vitamin D and between 1,000 and 1,300 milligrams of calcium. Your kids can get most of this through a diet filled with foods and beverages that are rich in vitamin D and calcium, such as milk, cheese, yogurt and nuts. Some foods and drinks are also fortified with these nutrients.
Physical Activity
Regular physical activity is another way to keep children’s bones healthy and strong. Encourage your kids to get some type of exercise each day, such as going for walks, playing games in the yard or riding bikes. Getting regular physical activity can help prevent broken bones and boost your kids’ health and well-being overall.
Protective Gear
If your kids play sports or do other activities that could result in pediatric fractures, such as riding a bicycle or skating, make sure they wear protective gear. For example, your kids should always wear helmets when riding bikes or put on all safety equipment when playing baseball, hockey or another sport. This type of gear provides them with effective protection against broken bones and other injuries.
Tripping Hazards
Being active isn’t the only way that pediatric fractures can happen. Just walking around your home can put your kids at risk of tripping and breaking a bone. You can reduce this risk by removing all tripping hazards in your home, such as cords and wires or toys scattered on the floor. Make sure stairways don’t have any toys or other items on them that could cause kids to fall.
Correct Falling Technique
While you might not be able to prevent your kids from falling, you can teach them how to lower the risk of injuries. Putting their arms out straight to stop a fall can easily lead to broken bones. Falling on their forearms, then rolling can help lower this risk.
If you need treatment for a pediatric fracture, please contact Huntington Orthopedics to make an appointment. Our orthopedic team can evaluate your child’s injury and determine the best type of treatment for proper healing.