Broken bones (or fractures) are a common injury in kids, especially after a fall. No matter what part might be broken or how big or small the injury may seem, all broken bones need medical care.

Signs and Symptoms

Your child may have a broken bone if:

• you heard a "snap" or a grinding noise during an injury
• there's swelling, bruising, or tenderness
• the injured part is difficult to move or hurts when moving, being touched, or bearing weight

What to Do

• Remove clothing from the injured area.
• Apply an ice pack wrapped in cloth.
• Keep the injured limb in the position you find it.
• Place a simple splint, if you have one, on the broken area. A splint holds the bone still and protects it until the child is seen by the doctor. To make a temporary splint, you can use a small board, cardboard, or folded up newspapers and wrap it with an elastic bandage or tape.
• Get medical care and don't allow your child to eat or drink in case surgery is required.

Think Prevention!

• It's practically impossible to prevent every fracture, but you can make a break less likely by:
• using safety gates at bedroom doors and at both the top and bottom of stairs (for babies or toddlers)
• enforcing helmet and safety gear rules for young athletes and any child riding a bicycle, tricycle, skateboard, scooter, or any type of skates and roller blades
• not using infant walkers