Your pediatrician in Granger, IN, can help with toddler injuries and bone fractures

When you have a toddler who can’t talk to you, it can be difficult to know if your child is hurting. It’s important to know the warning signs of toddler injuries. Dr. Charisse Johnson at Premier Pediatrics in Granger, IN, provides a wide range of children’s medical services, including treatment of toddler injuries and bone fractures.

These are some of the warning signs which may indicate your child is injured:

• Changes in your child’s behavior, including fussiness or restlessness
• Changes in eating habits, including decreased appetite
• Uncontrolled crying, grunting or holding their breath
• A strained facial expression, with frowning or closed eyes
• Changes in sleep patterns including waking or sleeping more or less, or taking short naps
• Increased clinging behavior

If you suspect an injury like a fractured bone, you need to look for:

• Tenderness and pain
• Bruising and swelling
• A dislocated or deformed bone
• Inability to move the injured body part

If you suspect your toddler is ill or injured, you can:

• Apply ice packs to reduce swelling
• Elevate the injured area
• Use a sling, splint, or brace to immobilize the area
• Administer over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications like Children’s Tylenol or ibuprofen

Proper care of a bone fracture or other injury is essential to your child healing well and having a full range of motion. That’s why it’s critical for your child to visit the pediatrician as soon as possible.

Treatment for an injury or bone fracture can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Sometimes rest and pain-relieving treatment are all that is necessary for your toddler to recover.

For more severe injuries and fractures, your pediatrician may recommend:

• Surgery to realign and repair bones, tendons, and ligaments
• Assistive devices including splints, casts, or slings to immobilize the injured area while it heals
• Physical therapy and exercise to improve strength, mobility, and flexibility

To find out more about the warning signs and treatment of toddler injuries including bone fractures, call Dr. Charisse Johnson of Premier Pediatrics in Granger, IN. You can reach her in the office by calling (574) 855-4575, so call now.