Summer is in full swing and that means lots of playtime for the children in our lives. Running, jumping and roughhousing can naturally lead to injuries for kids. It can be challenging to know when to seek medical care and when to let them heal at home. Here are some guidelines to help you decide:
When to Wait It Out:
- Surface-level injuries: Minor bumps, bruises and cuts can be treated at home with bandages, ice and antibiotic ointments as needed.
- Mild to moderate sprains: A twisted ankle or pulled muscle that is uncomfortable but does not stop a kid from carrying on with their day is okay to wait out.
When to Seek Care:
- Suspected broken bone: Severe bruising that makes you wonder if a child has a broken bone
- Unmanageable bleeding: Bleeding that is not easily stopped with bandages or gauze
- Head injuries: Any time a child hurts their head
- Severe sprains: Sprains that cause intense pain or swelling and stop a child from doing their usual activities
- Redness or rash: If an injury has new redness or a rash that appears near the injury site
- Non-weight bearing: Anytime a kid cannot put weight on an injury
- Fever: If a fever develops after an injury
- Pain increase: If a child’s pain level suddenly becomes more intense
Kid Care App:
For further advice to help you decide whether to wait it out or seek care, you can use the free Kid Care App from St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Where to Be Seen:
- Orthopedic injury clinic: For children ages 5 years and older who have a new bone, joint or muscle injury and have not yet been seen for treatment, the orthopedic injury clinic offers three locations.
- Pediatrician: Your pediatrician is a great resource if you are ever in doubt about whether your child’s injury needs attention.
- Children’s After Hours: During evenings and weekends, Washington University Children’s After Hours Care is available to help assess sprains, strains, fractures and more.
- Emergency room: If a child’s life or limb is in danger, always call 9-1-1 or take them to the nearest emergency room.