When kids are active, injuries are a possibility. Whether it's sports, recess or just playing around, kids can get hurt, and bruises, strains, sprains and broken bones are all possible. It is a good idea for parents to know the basic differences between each, and when it's time to go to the emergency room for x-rays.
Bruises
Bruises are a discoloration of the skin following a trauma to the area. They may be accompanied by swelling at first as the blood collects under the skin. Bruises are common and can be caused by a bump, fall or other mild injury. Bruises are otherwise known as contusions. A cold compress is usually all that is needed to treat a bruise. Bruises fade and change colors as they heal, and usually are gone in two weeks or less.
Strains
Strains are more commonly known as pulled muscles. They are actually tears in muscle tissue. Strains happen easily, from stepping down off a step the wrong way to working out and overdoing it. Forcing a muscle to work too hard can cause strains. Strains may cause moderate pain, but not severe pain. Strains should be treated with rest, elevation and pain medication, such as ibuprofen.
Sprains
A sprain is more severe than a strain. It happens when ligaments are torn after being overstretched. Sprains hurt a lot, and they cause swelling and pain when your child tries to use the affected limb. Your child won't be able to put weight on a sprained foot, for example. Sprains can feel like fractures, and they should be checked by a doctor to rule out bone breaks. Wrapping, elevation, rest and pain medication are the usual treatments. Sprains usually heal in one to two weeks.
Fractures
A fracture is a broken bone. It can be a crack, a break or even a crushed or splintered section of bone. A broken bone is much more painful than a bruise, strain or sprain. It may even cause the person to feel woozy because it shocks the body. The affected body part may look extremely swollen or misshapen. With a compound fracture, you may see a bone poking through the skin.
If you suspect a break, the first step is to immobilize the limb with a splint. For leg breaks, the child should not be allowed to place any weight on the injured limb. If the ribs are broken, the child must be completely immobilized to reduce the risk of damage to internal organs.
A doctor will perform an x-ray to see if there is a fracture. Most kids will break a leg or an arm at some point; broken wrist bones are one of the most common injuries in kids and teens. In most cases, the doctor will set the affected limb with a cast, and healing will take anywhere from four to eight weeks.
If a bone is broken in multiple places, or if both bones are broken in a wrist or ankle, surgery may be needed to properly align the bones for healing.
 | With many common childhood illnesses, by the time symptoms appear, the contagious period has passed. Although complications from these illnesses are rare, it's good to know how to treat them and how to spot signs of serious complications. |
 | If you will be pregnant during flu season, you should get a flu shot to prevent a bout of the flu. |
 | Learn how to spot common measles symptoms and understand what the measles are. |
Your 8-year-old arrives home from school with a fever, a headache, a hacking cough and a look of misery on his face. Is it a cold or the flu? |
Don't fret if your child gets one of many common child viruses. Kids get sick. It's a fact of life, but that doesn't make it any easier on us parents. Our battle to make it better begins with the first cough, sniffle or sneeze. And the enemy? A nasty little thing called a virus, the cause of most childhood illnesses. |
