It’s recommended to visit a doctor as soon as possible if you suspect your child has a fracture. In some cases, such as when there’s no obvious deformity, you can wait until later in the day or even the following day, but it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Minor Fracture Care
Suffering a minor fracture can be scary and painful, but it’s generally not a serious condition. While it’ll require treatment, the bone will return to its normal state in a few weeks with proper care.
At Rexburg Pediatrics, we offer a range of minor fracture care services. Our team provides assessments, X-rays, casting or splinting, pain management, and follow-up care to ensure a smooth recovery for your child.
What Is a Minor Fracture?
A minor fracture refers to a minor crack in a bone. There are a number of things that can cause a minor fracture, including sports incidents and falls. A fracture occurs when the bone is subject to more pressure than it can absorb, resulting in a crack. While a minor fracture is painful, full recovery is possible with treatment.
There are two main types of minor fractures: hairline and greenstick. Hairline fractures are tiny cracks in the bone, typically due to repeated force. Greenstick fractures occur when trauma (such as a fall or contact injury during a sport) bends a bone to such an extent that it cracks along one side.
Fractures are common in children, mainly because their bones are softer. In fact, greenstick fractures occur almost exclusively in children.
Common Causes of Minor Fractures
Any force or pressure on a bone can lead to a fracture. In children, most fractures result from injuries sustained during sports or everyday play. Common causes include falls from playground equipment like swing sets, as well as roughhousing with other kids. Active play is a normal part of childhood, but these activities can sometimes lead to accidents and injuries.
Signs of a Minor Fracture
It can be difficult to know for sure if your child has a fracture without an X-ray, but there are common signs to watch for. However, it’s important to seek prompt medical care if you suspect a fracture or serious injury. Better to be safe than sorry!
If your child has a fracture, they will likely experience several of the following symptoms:
- Pain or tenderness
- Swelling or bruising
- Difficulty moving the affected limb
- Visible deformity
- Warmth or redness
If any of the following signs are present, seek medical attention right away.
Treatment for Minor Fractures
As mentioned earlier, while minor fractures are serious, they are completely treatable. With prompt medical care, your child’s bone will heal and return to full function. Here’s an overview of what to expect during the treatment process.
Initial assessment
Your child’s injury will be assessed by one of the healthcare professionals at Rexburg Pediatrics.
Imaging
If necessary, your child will be sent for an in-house X-ray at Rexburg Pediatrics. Once the results come back, the provider will assess the images to determine the presence and extent of the fracture.
Treatment
Once a minor fracture has been confirmed, the provider will outline a recommended treatment plan, which may involve casting or splinting. This process will take place next door at Community Care, located in the same building as Rexburg Pediatrics. We collaborate with our neighbors to create a seamless experience for our patients during the recovery process.
Pain management and care instructions
The provider will also provide pain management and care instructions. For example, they may prescribe pain medication and share guidelines for how you and your child should look after the affected limb.
Follow-up care
A future appointment will be made so that one of our providers can evaluate your child’s progress with recovery.
FAQs About Minor Fractures
How soon should I visit the doctor if I suspect my child has a fracture?
How can I help my child manage pain from a fracture?
Giving your child pain medication (acetaminophen, ibuprofen), applying an ice pack to the affected area, and keeping the limb elevated can all help alleviate the pain.
How long does it take for a minor fracture to heal?
While it depends on the location and extent of the minor fracture, most will heal between four to eight weeks with appropriate care. Your child should attend a follow-up appointment before returning to normal activities.
How can I differentiate between a fracture and a sprain?
Fractures and sprains can have similar symptoms. Unless there’s an obvious deformity that suggests a break, you’ll need an X-ray to determine whether it’s a fracture or sprain.
Do minor fractures require surgery?
In the vast majority of cases, minor fractures do not require surgery.
What happens if you don't treat a minor fracture?
Untreated fractures take much longer to heal, and additional complications will likely develop. In some cases, the fracture won’t heal at all, negatively impacting your child’s mobility and quality of life down the road.
Schedule an Appointment
If you suspect that your child has a minor fracture, don’t hesitate to seek help. Call (208) 346-8400 to make an appointment with Rexburg Pediatrics today.