CHILDREN’S HEALTH: SPRAINS AND DISLOCATIONS

by admin on April 28th, 2009. Filed under General health

Symptoms

Sprains: pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, internal bleeding.

Dislocations: visible malformation, inability to use joint.

Home care

A dislocation should not be treated at home.

A sprain can be treated by immobilizing and then resting the affected area.

Cold compresses applied to the area help relieve swelling.

Aspirin or paracetamol can be given for pain.

Precautions

- A sprain that does not improve rapidly may indicate a bone fracture and should be examined by a doctor.

- After a dislocation has been corrected, the joint may remain unstable for some time.

- A severe sprain that is improperly treated can result in a permanently weak joint.

- A sprain that is still swollen or painful to move is not healed.

- Elastic bandages do not adequately support or protect a sprained ankle.

All joints of the body are surrounded by ligaments, the tough connective tissues that hold bones together. These ligaments can be partially or completely torn when the joint is forcibly twisted beyond its normal range of movement. A partially or completely torn ligament is called a sprain.

If the ligaments are badly torn the bones of the joint may become dislocated (slip out of position). Besides the usual symptoms of a sprain, a dislocation causes a visible malformation of the area, and marked or total loss of function of the dislocated parts. Even after the dislocation has been corrected, the joint remains unstable for weeks.

Sprains are common during childhood, but dislocations other than a dislocated elbow are rare. Sprains most often occur in the fingers, toes, ankles, neck, and back. Dislocations can also occur in the fingers, toes, kneecaps, and shoulders.

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