With school in full swing and sports seasons underway, now is the time to brush up on some basic first-aid for common childhood injuries and ailments. From scraped knees to twisted ankles, here are six of the most common childhood health concerns. In this article, you will also find solutions on how to fix them.
Sprained Ankles
A podiatrist can provide valuable assistance in helping children suffering from sprained ankles. With the podiatrist’s care and expertise, a proper rehabilitation plan can be created specific to the child’s needs, aiding a faster and safer recovery. This plan may include exercises that strengthen the ankle and promote flexibility. It will educate the child on the importance of wearing shoes with adequate support for their everyday activities. The doctor can also guide how to appropriately handle any pain or discomfort associated with the injury. It is beneficial to receive help from a qualified podiatrist in managing these types of injuries and ensuring proper healing so that the ankle returns to its full range of mobility.
Broken Bones
When it comes to broken bones in children, helping them recover consists of much more than just booking appointments with specialists and ensuring that the injury is properly set. It is also important to make sure that your child has a comfortable environment where they feel safe and supported. You can do this by talking to them about the injury and soothing any anxieties they may have around the healing process. Encourage regular movement but make sure you don’t push your child too far, or too fast. The bone needs to heal properly before attempting any strenuous activity.
Finally, provide healthy foods that are great sources of vitamins and minerals like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, dairy products, and whole grains that help build strong bones. With these tips in mind, you can do your best to help your child return to normal activities as quickly and pain-free as possible!
Cuts and Scrapes
Cuts and scrapes are an inevitable part of growing up and is one of the most common health concerns. Although painful, they help children build immunity to infection while teaching them the importance of taking good care of their bodies.
There are a few basic steps parents can take that will help kids minimize pain and speed healing. First, rinse the cut or scrape with clean running water for several minutes until all dirt is gone. Then cover the injury area with a clean bandage or sterile dressing. However, avoid taping it too tightly since this can reduce circulation and hinder healing. Give your child over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to dull any pain. Lastly, encourage proper hand washing and cleaning of any toys or objects in the environment where bacteria may be present. By following these simple steps, parents can help their children quickly recover from cuts and scrapes with minimal discomfort!
Concussions
While concussions can happen during any physical activity, it is especially concerning for children and young athletes who are still developing. Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury that can have serious effects on long-term physical and cognitive functioning. Many children indeed engage in some kind of sports activities which makes them susceptible to the trauma associated with concussion. The best way to protect your children from potentially life-altering consequences of traumatic brain injuries is to provide proper head protection while playing any sport. Educate them on the risks of not doing so, and monitor their sports participation accordingly.
Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds affect most children at some point and are often due to irritation or dryness in the nasal cavity. It can be a scary experience for young kids, so parents must take the necessary steps to help them cope with the situation. The best thing you can do for your child is to remain calm and provide comforting reassurance. Encourage your child to tilt their head forward and pinch their nostrils together firmly for up to 10 minutes until the bleeding stops. If the bleeding persists after 15 minutes, then it’s best to call a doctor. You must keep your child properly hydrated since dehydration can worsen nosebleeds. Lastly, save all related paperwork when visiting a doctor as this can help make future diagnoses faster and more accurate.
Fever
When children develop a fever, it can cause a great deal of concern for caregivers. Fevers can be an indication of a medical problem that needs further evaluation. But they are also commonly associated with routine childhood illnesses. Caregivers should take their child’s temperature regularly and contact the doctor or pediatrician if the fever is over 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit) or if it persists for more than 24 hours. Other symptoms like lethargy, dehydration, difficulty breathing, and continued high fever despite being treated should prompt immediate medical attention. Most of the time fevers must simply be managed with rest and fluids, but in some cases, professional medical advice may be necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment.
While some of these injuries may seem minor, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. With proper treatment, most patients make a full recovery without any long-term complications.
Hope you found the article on common childhood health concerns helpful. Please leave your thoughts in the comments.
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