Recognising an injury in a child

Children may experience fractures, sprains and other injuries during play, sport, travel or everyday activities.

A child may complain of pain, avoid using an arm or leg, limp, or develop swelling or bruising. Younger children may not be able to explain exactly where they hurt. Changes in behaviour, unusual crying or refusing to walk or use a limb can also be important signs.

If you suspect a fracture, seek prompt medical assessment. Do not assume that a child is uninjured simply because they can still move the affected area.

An open wound over a suspected fracture, a severely deformed limb, severe or worsening pain, or a hand or foot that becomes numb, cold or discoloured requires emergency care.

Helping the child explain what happened

Children should be given an opportunity to speak about their injury in a way that is appropriate for their age and understanding.

Ask simple, open questions such as:

  • Can you tell me what happened?
  • Where does it hurt?
  • What were you doing when the pain started?

Allow the child time to answer. Avoid putting words into their mouth or pressuring them to give a particular explanation.

Parents and caregivers can also share what they observed, including when symptoms began, whether the child could move normally afterward and what care has already been provided.

Accurate information helps the healthcare team assess the injury.

Understanding the child’s treatment

Children’s bones are still developing, and some injuries can involve the areas where bones grow. The child’s age, the location and type of injury, and the condition of the bone and surrounding tissues influence treatment.

Some fractures can be treated with a splint or cast. Others require repositioning of the bone, specialist assessment or surgery.

Your healthcare professional will explain the treatment plan and whether follow-up is needed. The instructions may include restrictions on running, climbing, sport or putting weight on the injured limb.

Do not remove or modify a cast or splint unless you have been specifically instructed to do so.

Caring for your child at home

Make sure that the child and everyone responsible for their care understand the instructions.

Keep the cast or splint clean and dry unless the healthcare team confirms that it is designed to get wet. Prevent the child from putting objects inside a cast to scratch the skin.

Give medicines only as directed by an appropriate healthcare professional or according to suitable age- and weight-specific instructions.

Help the child continue activities that are safe and comfortable. If the child needs assistance with dressing, washing or moving around, explain what you are doing and encourage them to participate as much as possible.

Returning to school and everyday activities

Depending on the injury, a child may be able to return to school before treatment is finished. The decision should take account of the child’s comfort, mobility, safety and the advice of the healthcare team.

Teachers may need to know about restrictions on sport, playground activities, carrying school materials or using stairs.

Parents, teachers and healthcare professionals can work together to identify suitable arrangements and support the child’s participation.

Warning signs to watch for

Seek urgent medical care if the child develops severe or worsening pain, numbness, difficulty moving the fingers or toes, or a hand or foot that becomes unusually cold, pale or blue.

Contact the healthcare team if a cast becomes damaged, wet, excessively tight or loose, or if an unusual smell, discharge or skin irritation develops.

Questions for parents and caregivers

  • What injury does my child have?
  • Will the injury affect the child’s growth or require specialist follow-up?
  • How should we care for the injury at home?
  • Which activities are safe, and which should be avoided?
  • When can my child return to school, play and sport?
  • Which symptoms mean we should seek further medical help?

Related material

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Sources & further reading