Broken bones are a common part of growing up. If your young one has an accident, you’ll want to determine whether they broke a bone or have a less severe injury, like a sprain. To do this, it’s important to know the common signs of a break and what to do if they need an X-ray.

How to Know If It’s Broken

In some cases, you may hear the bone break during the injury. It can make a loud snap, and this is a clear indication that the bone fractured. However, this isn’t the only sign to look for since you may not have been present during the injury.

A break is typically accompanied by significant swelling and bruising in the hour following the accident. The affected area will hurt to move and won’t be able to bear weight or straighten the nearby joint. Additionally, if a nerve was damaged in the injury, it may be completely numb.

What to Do If It’s Broken

If you suspect a broken bone, keep your child calm by talking in a soothing voice and giving them words of encouragement. You’ll need to take them to the doctor’s office to get an X-ray so that a medical team can determine the extent of the injury.

To get ready for the X-rays, take clothing off the affected arm or leg, apply a wrapped ice pack to address the swelling, and keep the injured area still to avoid aggravating it further. In many cases, the doctor will recommend resetting the bone by applying a cast. Keep comforting your little one by telling them they can have their friends sign it.

If your youngster needs an X-ray, turn to Alaska Urgent Care in Anchorage. These medical professionals use state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose and treat injuries, including broken and fractured bones. They also offer extended weekday and weekend hours to provide the immediate care your child needs. View their full list of services online, call (907) 341-7757 for an appointment, or walk into the clinic for care.