While back-to-school season introduces a sense of excitement among children, it also introduces the rapid spread of infections and even injuries.
One of the most common back-to-school injuries during activities like gym class, athletics, and recess is fractures – many of which are avoidable with proper precaution.
Preventing school and sports injuries
Be sure to remind your children of the following to prevent potential injury in school and sports activities:
- Use playground equipment only for how it was designed (i.e., not climbing on top of the equipment or on the sides of it).
- Do not jump off the swings.
- Be aware of your surroundings – both on the playground and the sports field or court – for other children and tripping hazards.
- Do not push or shove other children on the playground.
- Always use appropriate protective equipment such as shin guards, eye wear, mouthguards, helmets, and respective pads for school sports.
- Hold onto the railing when using staircases and always keep your shoes tightly tied.
Recognize the symptoms. If your child’s pain or discomfort persists after an incident, visit any Tower Health Urgent Care location for minor orthopedic and sports injuries.
X-ray expertise
Some examples of common fractures include:
- Greenstick - Incomplete fracture, the bone is not completely separated
- Transverse - Break in a straight line across the bone
- Oblique - Diagonal break across the bone
- Compression - The bone is crushed
- Comminuted - The break is in three or more pieces, with fragments present at the fracture site.
- Segmental - The same bone is fractured in two places, so there is a “floating” bone segment.
Diagnosis of such fractures includes examination and x-ray imaging. All Tower Health Urgent Care locations are equipped to provide advanced treatment for minor orthopedic injuries. If a fracture is present, the affected area will be immobilized with a temporary splint in the office and in some cases, the patient will be referred to an orthopedic specialist.