How to Explain Bone Fractures to Children?

How to Explain Bone Fractures to Children?

My blog this week aims to answer parents' question "How to Explain Bone Fractures to Children?" . The information has to be simple and age-appropriate while giving children a clear idea of treatments and healing.

Fractures are when a bone in your body breaks or cracks. Even though it can hurt a lot, there are solutions to fix the bone and help the person heal.

What is a fracture? 

A bone is like a solid bar that supports your body, similar to a stick or a ruler that helps you keep your shape. Sometimes, when you fall or hurt yourself while playing, the bone can break. When this happens, we say it's a fracture. It's a bit like having a wooden stick and bending it too hard. If you bend it too much, it can snap in two.

Not all fractures are the same. Sometimes the bone breaks completely into two pieces, and other times it just cracks a little. But in any case, it can be very painful, and the bone needs to be treated quickly.

How do fractures happen? 

Fractures often happen when you fall, bump into something hard, or sometimes during sports activities, like running or riding a bike. For example, if you trip while running or playing soccer, your bone might break if it can't handle the force of the fall.

But there's no need to be scared. Everyone can have a fracture at least once in their life, and doctors know exactly how to treat it so you feel better.

How to know if a bone is broken? 

When a bone is broken, there are a few signs that can indicate it’s fractured. Here are some symptoms to watch for:

• Pain: If you feel sharp and intense pain after a bump, it’s possible that the bone is broken.

• Swelling: The area where the bone is broken may become swollen, sometimes with bruises or redness.

• Deformation: Sometimes, the part of the body where the bone is broken may look strange. For example, an arm might not have the same shape as before.

• Inability to move: If you can’t move an arm or a leg like as usual, it could be a sign that the bone is fractured.

How to treat a fracture? 

When you break a bone, you must see a doctor. The doctor will examine the fracture and decide how to fix it. Here are the steps a doctor might follow to treat a fracture:

1. Realigning the bone: If the bone is broken into several pieces, the doctor will first make sure all the pieces are put back in the right position. This might hurt a little, but the doctor will ensure you are comfortable and not in too much pain.

2. Cast or splint: Once the bone is aligned, the doctor will use a cast or a splint to keep the bone straight and prevent it from moving. This helps the bone heal more easily. The cast can be white, but sometimes it can also be in different colors, like blue or pink, to make it look nicer!

3. Rest and care: After the cast is applied, it’s important to rest so the bone heals well. You might need to avoid certain movements, like running or jumping, for a while. This allows your bone to recover little by little.

4. Healing time: Healing from a fracture can take time, sometimes several weeks, depending on which bone is broken and how serious the fracture is. But don’t worry, your bone will heal and become strong again! Doctors will check on you during this time to ensure everything is going well.

What is a cast? 

A cast is a special material that the doctor uses to immobilize the bone while it heals. It's like a shell around the broken bone. Sometimes, the cast is a bit heavy, but it is super important for protecting the bone. Once it's on, you won’t be able to move the part of your body that is fractured (for example, your arm or leg).

It’s also important not to soak the cast in water because that could make it soft and no longer hold the bone properly. So, if you have a cast on your arm or leg, you need to be careful not to get it wet. If you want to wash, you can use a towel or a plastic bag to protect the cast.

How to help a child recover from a fracture? 

Even though you need to rest the bone to help it heal, there are plenty of ways to have fun and keep busy while staying still. For example:

• Reading books: This can be a great time to read stories or comics.

• Watching movies: You can have a little movie session with your favorite films.

• Playing board games: This is an excellent idea to spend time with your friends and family without too much movement.

It’s important to follow the advice of doctors and the adults around you to recover quickly and well.

How to avoid breaking a bone? 

Even though we can’t always prevent accidents, here are some tips to reduce the risk of fractures:

• Be careful when playing: Try to pay attention to avoid falling or getting hurt when you run, jump, or ride a bike. For instance, wear a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads when biking or skating.

• Wear sturdy shoes: Proper shoes can help protect you better when you run or play sports.

• Exercise: Activities that strengthen your bones can also be very helpful, like jumping, running, or swimming.

When to consult a doctor? 

If you fall or hurt yourself and think your bone might be broken, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. The sooner the fracture is treated, the faster you will recover. If you feel very strong pain or if the injured part of your body looks deformed, don’t wait, and consult a doctor immediately.

In summary A fracture is when a bone in your body breaks or cracks. This can happen if you fall or bump into something hard. Even though it can hurt, doctors are there to help you. They can put on a cast or a splint to ensure your bone heals properly. It will take time and rest for your bone to repair well, but with the right care, you will feel better and better.

Stay calm and follow the advice of adults and doctors, and soon you’ll be able to play and move around like before!

Dr. Nicole’s book on broken arm