cast, make sure the cast does not get wet. Cover the cast with plastic when your child bathes. Teach your child not to scratch the skin around the cast or poke things down between the cast and the skin. This could cause an infection.
- Your provider will tell you how much weight your child can put on the leg, if any. Your child may need to use crutches, a knee walker, or a cane as directed by your healthcare provider.
With treatment, the fracture may take up to 4 months to heal. Your child may need to do special exercises to help the leg get stronger and more flexible. Ask your child’s healthcare provider about this.
How can I take care of my child?
Follow the full course of treatment your child’s healthcare provider prescribes. Also:
- To keep swelling down and help relieve pain, your child’s healthcare provider may tell you to:
- Put an ice pack, gel pack, or package of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth on the injured area every 3 to 4 hours for up to 20 minutes at a time for the first day or two after the injury.
- Keep the leg up on pillows when your child is sitting or lying down.
- Give your child pain medicine, such as ibuprofen, as directed by your child’s provider. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may cause stomach bleeding and other problems. Read the label and give as directed. Check with your healthcare provider before you give any medicine that contains aspirin or salicylates to a child or teen. This includes medicines like baby aspirin, some cold medicines, and Pepto-Bismol. Children and teens who take aspirin are at risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome.
Ask your child’s healthcare provider:
- How and when you will hear your child’s test results
- How long it will take for your child to recover
- What activities your child should avoid and when your child can return to normal activities
- How to take care of your child at home
- What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if your child has them
Make sure you know when your child should come back for a checkup.
How can I help prevent a leg fracture?
Most broken legs are caused by accidents that are not easy to prevent. However, here are some things that can help prevent leg injuries:
- Wear shoes that fit well and give good support.
- Gently stretch before and after physical activity.
- Work and play safely.
Developed by RelayHealth.
Published by RelayHealth.
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