Prayer for a sprained leg in a child. Sprains in children - what are the dangers of playing sports from an early age? Treatment of dislocation of the ankle in a child

As soon as the kids master independent movement in space, long before the first steps, they begin to actively explore the world. This process continues and gains momentum even after children learn to walk. At the same time, falls, bruises, bruises and abrasions are inevitable.

It is impossible to protect the baby from them. But you can always have on hand tools that will ease the pain of such injuries. In this article, we will provide an overview of the most effective drugs for bruises and sprains approved for use in childhood.

How to choose the right tool?

The benefits of drugs that relieve pain and swelling with bruises and sprains, eliminate bruises, are obvious for the whole family. But if adults without any hesitation go to the pharmacy and buy themselves any post-traumatic remedy, then this approach is unacceptable for children. Most adult ointments for bruises and gels for bruises can cause allergies in a child, and this is fraught with even more swelling.

Before choosing a remedy specifically for an inquisitive baby, it should be understood that all drugs that are used after injuries are divided into three groups according to the type of action:

Painkillers. This group includes ointments and gels, as well as sprays with a pronounced analgesic effect. Basically, we are talking about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for topical use. You can’t do without such a medicine with a strong sprain, dislocation, rupture of ligaments and muscles.
Coolants. Such drugs are indispensable for severe bruising of muscles and soft tissues. With such injuries, the bones, tendons, cartilage and ligaments remain intact. Ointments and gels of this group, when applied to the skin, create a cool effect, as well as reduce swelling and moderately anesthetize.
Warming agents. These drugs cause irritation on the skin, this activates the flow of blood to the injured area of the body. This effect is useful for bruises and sprains a few days after the injury. In the early stages, warming drugs should not be used.

In the home first aid kit, it is best to have drugs of each group, because injuries and situations are different. But at the same time, it is important to remember, but it is better to write down and attach a small A “cheat sheet” that will help you quickly navigate and choose the right drug in an emergency:

If no more than a day has passed since the injury, you can only smear with painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, including cooling gels. Warming ointment is prohibited!

If more than three days have passed since the injury, you can start using warming ointments.
In case of violation of the integrity of the skin, if the injury is combined with abrasions, wounds, it is impossible to apply funds at all.
With fractures and dislocations, ointments do not help. Qualified medical care is needed in an emergency room. But after providing assistance, the doctor may allow the use of anesthetic ointments in case of dislocation, they will help to somewhat reduce pain during the first days after the injury.

List of drugs

Children under 1 year old

Usually prescribed:

Troxevasin. This drug has proven itself in the treatment of varicose veins due to its surprisingly fast ability to influence the walls of blood vessels. Troxerutin, which is the main active ingredient, strengthens blood vessels, prevents the development of swelling and large hematomas. The gel is applied to the sore spot, provided that the skin is not damaged and there are no wounds, rubbed with the finger of the hand with light massage movements completely. In pediatric practice, Troxevasin is used for children under one year old, and for children older than a year old. Local allergic reactions are possible.

Manufacturers indicate that the gel should not be taken before the age of 15, however, this is not a ban, but only a recommendation to use the drug carefully, because its effect on children has not been studied enough.

"Bruise-Off". This drug contains pentoxifylline and medicinal leech extract, which makes this anti-inflammatory gel indispensable for bruises and bruises. This tool has no contraindications, when using it, no cases of overdose have been identified, and therefore the possibility of its use for children is obvious and indisputable. The drug is able to quickly save the child from bruises, swelling and hematomas with a seal. It is not recommended to use it more than 5 times a day.

To treat an abrasion with a balm, you should first treat it with a non-alcoholic antiseptic; for bruises and bruises, the ointment is applied with a middle layer on clean and dry skin. You can apply the balm 2 to 5 times a day.

Children from 1 year old

"Heparin ointment". Due to its composition, this remedy, well known to many generations of Russians, effectively resists inflammation, reduces swelling in the area of injury, and also thins the blood and improves its circulation, which is important for restoring soft tissues and reducing deep hematomas. If a child, in addition to a bruise, has a wound, it is impossible to use Heparin Ointment, this can increase bleeding. Manufacturers indicate that children under 18 years of age are not prescribed ointment. However, this is due solely to the insufficient evidence base for the safety of the drug in childhood.

"Lyoton". This gel contains sodium heparin, which dissolves seals well, effectively relieves puffiness and helps to restore tissue damaged as a result of injury. In addition, the gel strengthens blood vessels, improves blood circulation. It is used not only for superficial bruises, but also for sprains, joint injuries, and muscle tissue.

With abrasions and any violations of the skin, the drug can not be used. There are no contraindications for use in childhood, but doctors recommend using the gel for children after a year in order to avoid an allergic reaction.

Traumeel S. This is a homeopathic preparation based on herbal ingredients. Available in different forms, but in relation to bruises and sprains, only ointment can be used. Manufacturers talk about an age limit of 3 years, but in practice the drug is prescribed for children from 2 years old. The tool is used for sprains and dislocations, as well as for joint injuries.

The gel is rarely prescribed for monotherapy, it is usually recommended as part of a complex treatment, for example, the consequences of an injury. Many traumatologists do not recognize this remedy at all, since it is not medicinal.

Children from 5 years old

Often used:

"Dolobene". This gel successfully combines the action of three substances: dimethyl sulfoxide reduces swelling, heparin has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, dexpanthenol improves the granulation of damaged tissues. The gel is very effective for bruises and sprains, any closed injuries, bruises. It is prescribed for pain relief in the recovery process after damage to the ligaments, joints and muscles.

The tool is considered quite allergenic, and therefore it is recommended to conduct an allergy test after purchase - apply a little gel on the child’s hand, on the back of the hand and wait about an hour. If redness, hyperemia of the skin appears, the product can not be used.

"Diklak". This gel can really be called a first aid tool, since it quickly anesthetizes the site of injury. The drug belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The drug has a rather impressive list of side effects, so it is recommended to use the drug only in consultation with the doctor and only for children who are already 6 years old.

Teenagers

Of the most effective:

"Finalgon". This drug is strictly forbidden to use before 12 years of age due to its rather aggressive action. The agent has a locally irritating (warming) effect, and also moderately anesthetizes the site of injury. The active ingredients are nonivamide and nicoboxyl. Due to the expansion of blood vessels that occurs when the drug is applied to the skin, the gel penetrates into sufficiently deep layers, preventing the development of inflammation. With great care, "Finalgon" should be used for adolescents prone to allergies. An allergy test in this case is mandatory.

If a child goes in for sports, then a tube of such a drug in a first-aid kit is simply necessary, because the remedy allows you to very quickly achieve the desired effect - to anesthetize the ligaments that the child has stretched, to relieve swelling with a severe bruise.

"Fastum-gel". Until adolescence, this effective post-traumatic drug is not used. The main active ingredient is ketoprofen. Almost immediately after applying the product, the teenager will feel an anesthetic effect. A little later, as it penetrates the tissues, ketoprofen also reveals its anti-inflammatory properties. The gel is contraindicated in children with allergies and a tendency to urticaria, as well as adolescents suffering from eczema.
"Ketonal". The drug for topical use is available in the form of a gel and cream. Both forms are allowed only for teenagers, and those who have reached the age of 15. The main active ingredient is ketoprofen. It has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect in a wide variety of injuries, including tendon and muscle ruptures.

You can apply a gel or cream to an injured area no more than three times a day. In this case, treatment should not be delayed for more than 14 days.

"Indovazin". The gel contains troxerutin and indomethacin. These substances relieve pain, eliminate swelling and prevent the spread of the inflammatory process. The drug is effective for dislocations and sprains. Most often, the remedy is prescribed to adolescents from 14 years of age. However, for a teenager, this tool can be indispensable, especially if he is involved in active or traumatic sports.

Earlier use can only be carried out under the personal responsibility of the doctor, because there are no clinical data on the effect of the drug on the child's body, and therefore Indovazin is rarely prescribed in pediatrics.

"Reparil gel". It is a vasostabilizing preparation based on vegetable raw materials. It is used to relieve pain and reduce swelling and bruising from bruises, sprains and muscle injuries. The tool is used in adolescence, if the child is already 12 years old. The gel is applied without rubbing, in a thin layer on the affected area. It is important that there are no wounds, abrasions and other damage on the skin.

First aid

If the child has fallen and screamed, cannot get up or complains of pain in the arm, First of all, you need to calmly and sensibly assess the situation:

When stretching ligaments. The symptoms of sprains differ from muscle injuries primarily in the timing of the onset of pain. If the ligaments are stretched - the pain comes instantly, if the muscles are damaged - the pain will be delayed in time. When the ligaments and muscles are stretched, puffiness appears, the place of the edema sometimes looks somewhat cyanotic. In this situation, the child should be reassured, ensure the rest of the injured limb, lubricate the damaged area with an anesthetic ointment or gel from sprains, and take the child to the nearest emergency room.

With bruises. The most common childhood injury is a bruise. If a child has acquired a hematoma on the face, leg, arm or other part of the body, it is important to apply something cold at the first stage. A piece of ice wrapped in a kitchen towel or cloth napkin will do. The main thing is not to cause local frostbite.

Whatever grandmothers and traditional healers say about the benefits of iodine mesh for bruises and sprains, in childhood, it is better to refuse such treatment. The baby's skin is delicate and very quickly absorbs and immediately absorbs iodine. Very often, the result is an overdose of iodine, which poses a serious danger to the child. Therefore, if desired, a teenager can draw a mesh with iodine, but this is contraindicated for a baby.
To alleviate the condition of the child after a bruise or sprain, some gels and ointments are not enough. It is worth learning how to apply a pressure bandage. To do this, it is best to use an elastic bandage. It is important not to overdo it and not disrupt the blood supply by bandaging too tightly. The optimal bandage pressure is considered to be such that the bandaged limb does not change the color of the skin and does not get cold.

Means that help with bruises and bruises on the face, legs, hands should not be used for hematoma and bruising of the eyelid, eyebrows, and also for ear bruising. Gels tend to liquefy contact with the hearing organs or mucous membranes of the eyes is not excluded. This must be avoided at all costs.
After cooling, a gel with analgesic and anti-inflammatory action is applied., for example "Troxevasin". At the next stage, the child will be shown the opposite - applying heat and applying a bruising agent with a warming effect so that the blood supply to the area of soft tissue injury and hematoma formation is restored. The sooner this happens, the sooner the bruise will go away.

Usually bruises do not need a doctor's call, they are perfectly treated at home. However, there are several situations in which the child should still be taken to the emergency room:

extensive hematoma on the head;
severe bruising of the forehead or temporal lobe;
an extensive hematoma on the bridge of the nose, under the eyes of a small child - a baby and a baby up to one and a half years old.

stretching is a microscopic rupture of the connective tissue, in which the overall integrity of the ligament is maintained. The ligament is injured due to the excess strength of the tissue when it is loaded. Stretching not only damages the ligaments themselves, but also leads to instability of the joint.

Sprain in a child is dangerous by damage to the growth areas of the bone.

Ankle sprain clinic

The clinical picture of a sprain in a child appears a few minutes after the injury. Pain – this is the first symptom, the severity of which depends on the degree of stretching:

Light stretch. The child complains of minor pain in the ankle. On examination, a slight swelling is detected, the child walks with a limp. The integrity of the joint is preserved, there are no bruises and discoloration of the skin. A mild sprain can easily be confused with a bruise. Read more about how to correctly distinguish a partial ligament tear from a bruise.
Second degree - moderate sprain. The injury is characterized by significant pain in the ankle. The joint swells and outwardly increases in size. The child limps, walks with difficulty, complains of severe pain. Point hemorrhages are observed at the site of injury. A sprain in a child disrupts the functionality of the joint (active movements are limited). Any movement causes pain in the ankle. Trying to stand up is accompanied by severe pain.
The third degree is a gap. The injury is accompanied by intolerable pain in the ankle. A pop is heard at the moment of damage ok - sound razr yva ligament. After 15–20 minutes, severe swelling appears, the skin turns blue, and bruising is observed. The ankle joint loses working capacity: the child cannot stand up and walk. The parent can see that the configuration of the joint is broken (the ankle is in an unnatural position). It is very difficult to determine what exactly happened in a child - sprain or rupture. For proper differentiation of stretch from tear read.

Sprains in the lower extremity are characterized bytypical symptoms – pain, swelling and dysfunction of the joint .

Achilles tendon rupture leads to loss of mobility in the ankle joint. When feeling the damaged area, a "failure" is detected - a place of rupture of the connective tissue.

Trauma symptoms:

Symptoms of damage to the ligaments of the hand

Navicular ligament injury usually appears after falling on the supporting arm. With a sharp outward inversion of the joint, a huge load is placed on the ligament and it is stretched. In the first minutes, pain appears, swelling quickly increases (mainly outside the hand). After 3-4 hours, hemorrhages appear. When you try to move your hand, the pain worsens. Joint mobility is limited.

Triangular ligament sprain occurs when falling on the inside of the hand. The pain syndrome spreads to the forearm. Puffiness and bruising are usually not the characters.

Forearm sprain characterized by acute pain, swelling. The muscle is injured following damage to the connective tissue, which is why the muscle does not contract, since the fulcrum does not fulfill its function. With a rough sprain, the edema spreads to the entire area of the forearm.

Read the main signs of sprain and dislocation of the arm in a child.

First aid

How to treat an injury at home

stretching 1st degree treated at home. The therapy consists of the following steps:

Stage 1. Support- the use of orthopedic devices, which are prepared separately for each joint. Orthopedic dressings provide protection to the joint and ligaments, contributing to their recovery. Orthopedic dressings can be replaced with a regular elastic bandage. It will reduce swelling and fix the articulation in an anatomically correct position. An elastic bandage should not be applied tightly - otherwise the venous outflow will be disturbed, which will create discomfort and prolong rehabilitation.

How to properly apply an elastic bandage on the ankle joint:

The technique should be performed 1-2 more times until the joint is completely fixed. This method allows you to immobilize the joint, but keep it mobile. When performed correctly, the bandage will not peel off and will not interfere with blood circulation.

Bandage of the knee joint:

put the knee in the most comfortable position for the child;
from the patella, make several rounds that will overlap each other;
make several rounds above the knee, at the beginning of the thigh;
do a few rounds below the knee.

Bandage of the forearm:

General rules for bandaging:

each round should cover the previous one by about 2/3;
at the end of bandaging, the last round must be fixed with a paper clip, plaster or clothespin;
the bandage should not cause discomfort, squeeze the joint;
Apply the bandage with only two hands.

Stage 2. Calm. Ligaments should not be strained in the first 3 days. Muscles and joints must be protected from any load. It is important to remember that it is impossible to completely exclude the load for a long time - the lack of mobility leads to tissue atrophy and muscle weakening..

Stage 3. Local treatment - ointments. Most often they are used to relieve pain. In addition, ointments improve local microcirculation, improve blood flow (accelerate regeneration), relieve swelling. Ointments do not need to be rubbed in - it irritates the skin. The substance must be applied with light massage movements.

In the first few hours after stretching, ointments should not be used. During this period, the damaged area must be cooled.

Safe ointments for sprains on the leg or arm of a child:

Ketoprofen. Belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Suitable for children over 6 years old. The drug suppresses the inflammatory process in the ligament and relieves pain. Ketoprofen partially relieves swelling and morning stiffness. Children from 6 to 12 years old the ointment is applied no more than 2 cm on the surface of the skin 2 times a day. Teenagers from 12 years old Ketoprofen is applied in a layer of 5 cm up to 3 times a day. The ointment should not be applied to wounds and burns - only to intact skin. Contraindications: children with kidney and liver diseases.
Analgos. The cream is designed to relieve pain and improve local blood flow, which accelerates the regeneration of connective tissue. The tool is recommended to be applied twice a day to the pain point. To achieve maximum effect, the cream must be rubbed tightly. Analgos should not be applied to open wounds, mucous membranes and burns.
Comfrey. The ointment consists of comfrey root and tocopherol (vitamin E). The herbal remedy suppresses inflammation, accelerates ligament repair and has antioxidant properties. Comfrey ointment should be applied up to 4 times a day. After application, the substance is rubbed with massage movements. It is not recommended to use the product before bedtime.
Troxevasin. The ointment reduces local swelling, partially relieves pain and improves microcirculation. The main effect is the stabilization of venous outflow. Troxevasin is not applied to open areas of the body and mucous membranes. The ointment should be applied twice a day - morning and evening. It is applied in a thin layer of 3-4 cm. The ointment does not need to be rubbed hard, it is enough to apply with light massage movements.
BIOKON Bruise-Off. The drug is indicated if the sprain is combined with a bruise. The ointment dissolves local blood stasis, improves microcirculation and lymph drainage. Also Bruise Off partially relieves inflammation. The gel should be applied up to 5 times a day in a thin layer.
Lifeguard forte. The drug is applied if at the time of injury, a wound has formed along with the sprain. Balm has an advantage over iodine and peroxide. The product does not dry out the skin. The main plus of the product is that it is completely made from essential and sea buckthorn oils, contains vitamin complexes without the addition of hormonal substances. Rescue Forte has antiseptic properties, it disinfects the skin and kills bacteria on the wound surface. The balm is applied to the damaged area, which then needs to be wrapped with a cloth.

Things to remember before using ointments:

Treatment should begin with minimal doses, and then monitor the general condition of the child and the skin reaction to the substance.
If a reaction is observed: the skin becomes very red, itchy, the child becomes restless - immediately stop using the drug and rinse the application site with running water.
Before using ointments that contain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, you must read the instructions. Such drugs should not be taken on their own without first consulting a doctor.

Stage 4. Biological food supplements- collagen, Omega-3, calcium and vitamin D. These drugs are most effective in restoring the affected ligaments. Vitamins B, C, E have an average efficiency. They do not have an evidence base - Glucosamine sulfate and Chondroitin sulfate.

When spraining the ligaments of the leg, the limb should be in an elevated position. To do this, you can use a chair, a roller, which is placed under the limb. This regimen improves the outflow of venous blood and reduces pain. Brace is used for tight fixation.

Recovery in a hospital

Stretching grades 2 and 3 in a child is treated in a hospital setting. Treatment in the hospital consists of the following steps:

With complete and repeated ruptures, surgical treatment is prescribed.. The operation is performed in the classical way, gaining access to the ligament through an incision in the skin. The ligament is sutured. After the intervention, a complex of physiotherapeutic procedures and physiotherapy exercises are prescribed.

Useful video

From the video you will learn about the American system of first aid for sprains.

findings

Sprains are divided into three degrees: mild, moderate and severe. A minor injury is treated at home, moderate and severe injuries require a doctor's examination and hospitalization.
All sprains have a typical picture: sharp pain, swelling, discoloration of the skin, dysfunction of the joint and limitation of movement. The severity of each symptom depends on the extent of the damage. A rupture may mimic a bone fracture.
First aid for sprains in a child: ensuring rest, taking painkillers, applying cold and fixing the joint.
Treatment at home: orthopedic bandages or elastic bandage, limb rest, timely gradual loading, application of ointments.
Treatment in a hospital: everything is the same, physiotherapy is added, restorative procedures and, in case of a torn ligament, a suturing operation.

What child can grow up without injury? All bruises, abrasions, sprains go inextricably with the child, one can say that this is how the knowledge of the world around us takes place. Children's fractures, joint dislocations and sprains have their own characteristics not only of occurrence, but also of course, treatment and rehabilitation.

Injury is any mechanical, thermal or chemical damage to the body. For children, the most typical occurrence is a mechanical injury - fractures, dislocations and sprains.

For each age period of the child, certain injuries are characteristic, which can be explained by the peculiarities of the psychophysical development of the baby. During the first years of life, thermal burns most often occur, which is associated with excessive curiosity of the child. At an older age (school age), mechanical injuries also join. Childhood injuries differ not only in the mechanisms of occurrence, but also in terms of healing, outcomes and prognosis, which can be explained by the characteristics of the child's body and the characteristic intensive recovery processes.

Typical childhood trauma

During outdoor games, children often fall, but fractures are very rarely recorded in children. Most often these are bruises, sprains and dislocations. According to statistics, dislocations are rare in children of the first three years of life, which can be explained by the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the joints.

Most often there is a dislocation of the ankle joint, this type of injury is typical for people of any age. An ankle sprain can occur with any uncomfortable movement, when the baby's foot is tucked inward. At this time, the child experiences severe pain, of an acute nature, which gradually subsides.

After some time, it all depends on how much the ligaments were stretched, swelling may appear, in difficult cases with a change in color - bluish. When walking or examining, a sprain can make itself felt - children may experience discomfort or even pain. A typical symptom of a sprain in children is the restriction of movement in the joint, children spare themselves and deliberately limit the movement of the injured leg. Lameness appears, children hardly step on a sore leg.

When spraining the ankle joint, it is necessary to consult a specialist and conduct an x-ray examination, since in some cases there may be a crack in the bones of the lower leg. During the examination, the doctor not only examines the child for the formation of fractures, but also conducts an analysis. The fact is that under the symptoms of sprains, more serious injuries, such as dislocation, can hide.

Sprain, what is it?

Sprains are one of the most common causes of movement restriction in children. The ligaments themselves are nothing more than dense bundles of connective tissue that are designed to strengthen the joints. Despite their strength under heavy load, or with sudden movements, ligaments can be subjected to all kinds of damage - ruptures and sprains. The ligaments themselves have a large number of nerve fibers and blood vessels, which can explain the occurrence of severe pain and the formation of edema when stretched.

If the ligaments are damaged, a partial tear or complete rupture of the ligament may occur. In this case, there are several degrees of damage to the ligament, when setting the degree of damage, the nature of the injury and the number of damaged ligaments are taken into account.

Causes of sprains

Among the most common causes of sprains, one can single out a large mechanical load, for example, with a sharp movement of the joint. The main condition is the excess of the normal amplitude of movement, which does not coincide with the physiological. The most common sprains are in the elbow, knee, and ankle joints.

What are the symptoms of a sprain in children?

The first symptoms appear immediately after injury. The first and main symptoms are acute, severe pain in the joint area, but quite often children do not feel any pain and continue to actively run and jump. This situation can further sprain the ligaments and cause even more harm to the child. Within a few hours after the sprain, edema begins to increase in the area of ligament damage, pain increases sharply and the function of the joint is impaired.

In clinical practice, there are three degrees of sprains. The first, or mild severity, is damage to a small section of the ligament. With this degree of stretching, slight pain is recorded, which practically does not limit movement, but without fail requires a sparing attitude towards the injured limb. There may be no swelling at the site of injury.

In the second degree (moderate sprain), a partial rupture of the ligament occurs. Symptoms are the child's complaints of severe pain, swelling and hemorrhages appear under the skin - hematomas form.

In the third degree (severe sprain), the ligament is completely torn. In this case, there is a strong, acute and sharp pain, severe swelling and the formation of hematomas. In the event that the rupture occurred in the ankle joint, it is simply not possible to step on the injured limb. One of the main dangers of such damage is the formation of a weak, unstable joint, subsequently prone to frequent injuries - dislocations and sprains.

How to distinguish sprain from dislocation and fracture?

You can distinguish a dislocation from a normal sprain with the help of some signs. With a dislocation, the baby cannot move the joint and complains of severe pain. With a dislocation of the arm, the injured arm may lengthen or, conversely, shorten. In the event of such symptoms, it is necessary to apply a fixing bandage and immediately show the baby to the doctor. In this case, the damaged joint must be completely immobilized.

If the baby is not helped in time, swelling will increase, which only complicates further treatment. After all, it will be difficult to set the damaged bone. Parents should remember that it is strictly forbidden to self-medicate and set the bones in case of dislocations on their own - this will only harm the child. Without a special study - an X-ray image - it is very difficult to distinguish a fracture from a dislocation.

When a fracture occurs, the integrity of the bone tissue is violated as a result of a sharp blow or mechanical load that will exceed the natural elasticity of the bone. Fortunately, fractures in children are very rare, which can be explained by the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the bones of the child. The most common are closed fractures of the fingers, collarbone, leg, and hand. With fractures of the fingers, a pronounced swelling of the hand appears, and when moving, the baby will complain of pain.

When the clavicle is fractured, there is complete paralysis of the movement of the arm with which the bone was damaged. Any, even insignificant, attempt to move the hand causes acute pain in the child. With fractures of the arms or legs, there is a loss of their performance, and the kids complain of severe pain.

First aid for a child with a sprain.

With timely first aid, it is possible to restrain the development of severe consequences and significantly facilitate subsequent treatment. It is for these reasons that parents should know first aid measures. After an injury, the child must be seated or laid down - to ensure immobility and peace of the injured leg or handle. The joint also needs to be immobilized - for this, a tight bandage can be applied to the area of the injured joint, a bandage in the form of a “figure eight” is applied in the area of the ankle joint.

At the third degree of sprain, when abnormal joint mobility is recorded in a child, it is necessary to apply a splint from improvised means. As a tire, you can use boards, plywood, even durable rulers. It is necessary to position the tire on both sides, and the bandage itself must be applied so that the joint is motionless. In this case, the baby will feel relief, the pain will go away. To further alleviate the condition of the child, it is necessary to apply cold to the injury site for a couple of hours. You can not apply directly cold to the skin, the heating pad with ice must be pre-wrapped in a towel. If the child develops edema, the growth of which is noticeable, it is necessary to give the child a horizontal position, and put the damaged limb so that it is higher than the head.

Ointments with an anti-inflammatory component can serve as the drugs of choice. The use of such modern methods of treatment allows you to quickly and effectively relieve pain, allows you to recover faster. With mild to moderate damage to the ligaments, the signs of sprain disappear within 5 to 10 days, but the ability to work is restored after about a week.

How to treat a sprain?

All therapeutic treatment of sprains includes: physiotherapy procedures, rehabilitation of the child, if necessary, injections with anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed, physiotherapy exercises for better and faster recovery.

In the treatment of the second and third degree of stretching, it is often necessary to use physiotherapy. A course of such treatment can be taken at any clinic after being examined by a doctor and making an appropriate diagnosis. After the pain and swelling disappear, the doctor prescribes a set of exercises to the patients, which must be repeated several times a day for some time. The choice of exercises, their nature and duration of the course, will depend on the age of the child, and on the nature of the damage.

Physical exercises are very important as a method of treatment, since it is with their help that it is possible to eliminate the stiffness of movements and restore normal motor functions of the joint.

Taking anti-inflammatory drugs is indicated only in the acute period of injury and not more than one dose for 2-3 weeks.

In order to prevent the occurrence of inflammatory diseases of soft tissues, anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets may be prescribed. In acute injury, they can be effective for 3 days. A complete rupture of the ligament requires surgery, which is usually performed by an orthopedic surgeon.

Tips for parents with sprains in a child.

After an injury, there may be a restriction in sports in children. So, with an average degree of stretching, a restriction is imposed on outdoor games and sports, which can obviously provoke a repeated stretching for a period of a couple of weeks to a couple of months. Everything will depend on the nature of the damage and the age of the child.

Children with injuries of the second and third degree are subject to mandatory dispensary registration for a period of one year. The schedule for visiting a specialist is developed individually. The main measures for the rehabilitation of a child with such injuries are strict adherence to and implementation of the entire complex of physical exercises, compliance with a sparing regimen and doctor's recommendations.

Pediatrician Paretskaya E.M.

Symptoms of a sprain in a child

Symptoms of sprains in children cause a number of painful sensations. Some time after the injury, joint dysfunction may occur. But a painless sprain is of particular danger, as it entails further injury to the ligaments and joints. That is, the main symptom of sprain is acute pain. In this case, the task of parents is to calm the baby and immobilize the injured limb. If after a while tissue swelling begins to increase, then medical attention is needed.

A sprain in the knee joint, foot or lower leg causes not only pain, but also makes it impossible to try to move the limb. If the ligaments of the cervical spine are injured, the child cannot move his head, complaints of severe headaches and numbness of the fingers are possible.
Swelling occurs at the site of the stretch. Swelling may appear immediately after injury or increase gradually.
After a while, a hematoma appears at the site of the swelling, usually a couple of hours after the injury. General ailments are possible, and in the area of edema and hematoma, a local increase in temperature.

If the sprain is moderate, then it is necessary to spare the injured joint. If the ligament is completely torn, then pathological joint mobility is observed. In this case, it is necessary to immobilize and apply a cast or splint for 10-20 days. Very often, the symptoms of a sprain are confused with the symptoms of a dislocation and even a fracture. There are a number of signs that allow us to differentiate sprain from dislocation and fracture, consider them:

With a dislocation, it is impossible to move the joint, severe pain occurs. If a dislocation of the arm occurs, then the limb can be shortened or, on the contrary, lengthened. With stretching, such symptoms do not occur, the child complains of pain, swelling and bruising.
A fracture causes a violation of the integrity of the bone tissue, but fractures in children are very rare. With a fracture, as with a sprain, severe pain occurs, which increases when trying to move the joint, as well as swelling.

Ankle sprain in a child

Ankle sprain in a child occurs very rarely, since the articular ligaments of the child are elastic and flexible. But stretching can occur as a result of mechanical damage. If a similar pathology is diagnosed in adolescents, then the reason may be wearing uncomfortable shoes.

Ligament sprain in pediatric patients can occur with high sports loads on the joints, congenital pathologies of the foot, obesity, various injuries and certain diseases (arthritis, arthrosis, metabolic disorders, bone and joint defects). All this leads to the fact that the leg twists when walking, injuring the ankle joint.

The outcome of the pathology depends on the effectiveness of the treatment and the first aid provided. The first thing to do is to release the damaged joint from the load as much as possible and apply a spike or a fixing bandage. It is best to apply ice or a cooling compress to the stretched area, this will reduce pain and swelling. If the child has a complex sprain, then medical attention and pain medication will be required.

Foot sprain in a child

Sprains in the foot in a child are very rare, since injuries and falls are prone to stretching of the ankle joint and the Achilles tendon. But in the foot there are several articulations of bones that have a tendon capsule and consist of ligaments, due to which they are attached to the muscles. As a rule, sprain occurs in the ligaments of the subtalar, metatarsal, calcaneonavicular and interphalangeal joints. All these elements are responsible for the supination of the foot when walking, jumping, running and other movements.

Foot sprains in children occur due to unusual and pathological leg positions during movement. When wearing the wrong shoes (from the point of view of orthopedics), training in the wrong shoes, flat feet and clubfoot, overweight or excessive tension in the muscles of the foot during physical activity. Very often, injuries in children occur due to attempts to walk on toes, stretching the foot and placing it on the outer or inner edge.

Foot sprain symptoms:

Severe pain without limitation of mobility in the joint area.
Pathology of the ligaments of the foot may be associated with trauma to the ankle. This is a fairly common injury that captures the entire large joint responsible for the mobility of the foot.
If there is a strong rupture of the ligament, then slight swelling and hematomas appear.

In any case, if a child has a foot injury, you should immediately seek medical help. It is very important to make sure that there are no more serious injuries that require surgical intervention before starting treatment. The task of doctors is to differentiate sprain from fractures and cracks. Treatment begins with immobilization of the injured limb. For these purposes, use splints, fixing bandages or gypsum.

The recovery period takes 5-10 days. During this time, pain, swelling and hematomas completely disappear. But this treatment should not be stopped, it is necessary to observe limited physical activity and use a fixing caliper. To speed up the rehabilitation process, a child may be prescribed therapeutic massage, physiotherapy or reflexology.

Sprain in a child's hand

Stretching of the ligaments of the hand in a child is common. And this is not surprising, since as a result of various kinds of injuries and falls, not only muscles, ligaments or joints, but also the bones of the hand can be damaged. The hands and wrists are made up of ligaments, tendons, and many small bones. Each of the structures performs certain functions, and it is thanks to the well-coordinated work of the bone-ligamentous apparatus that the hands can perform various movements.

When the ligaments in the arm are sprained, the supporting function that the ligaments perform is disrupted. The child complains of acute pain, swelling and redness of the hand. The main causes of sprains in children are sudden movements, mechanical injuries, and falls. As a rule, the ligaments are damaged due to the increased activity of children. Sprain signs look standard for this kind of injury. First of all, this is a limitation of movements in the damaged joint, pain, swelling. If there is a complete rupture of the ligament, then the joint begins to move without restrictions.

At the first symptoms of an arm sprain in a child, parents should immobilize the injured limb. For these purposes, an elastic bandage or any fixing bandage is suitable. To relieve pain and prevent swelling, it is better to apply a cold compress to the damaged area. But sprains should not end with self-treatment, as it is quite possible that the injury is serious and the child will need medical attention.

There are a number of symptoms that indicate that a doctor should treat a sprained arm:

Acute prolonged pain in the damaged joint (more than 3-5 days), causing restrictions on its movement.
There is general weakness and dizziness.
The skin over the joint is reddened and there is a local increase in temperature.

With severe sprains, treatment takes place in a hospital. The child is waiting for surgery and fixation of the joint with plaster. If several ligaments are torn, the duration of treatment can be several months. If the sprain is mild or moderate, then the recovery period lasts 10-15 days. The doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory ointments to the child to relieve swelling and pain. For a speedy recovery, warming physiotherapy procedures and, of course, therapeutic exercises can be used.

Neck sprain in children

A sprained neck is not common in children, but when it does, it causes a terrible panic in parents. And there is an explanation for this, since the child begins to cry from severe pain at the slightest attempt to turn his head, and the neck becomes motionless. The cervical spine consists of vertebrae (7 pieces), which perform a protective function, protecting the spinal cord from injury and damage. Since even the slightest pressure can lead to paralysis, and a fall or sudden movement can cause sprains.

The main causes of neck sprains in pediatric patients are outdoor sports, uncomfortable posture during sleep, physical exertion and various kinds of injuries, accidents. Since neck sprain can occur in children of any age, parents should know the main symptoms of the pathology, since not all children can clearly explain what hurts them:

Swelling in the neck and pain.
Lethargy, loss of mobility.
Unnatural position of the head.
Immediately after the injury, loss of consciousness is possible.

If you experience the above symptoms, you should immediately seek medical help. In order to reduce pain, you can give your child Ibuprofen or Paracetamol tablets. It is recommended to apply a cold compress to the affected area, but not longer than 20 minutes. The doctor will prescribe warm baths and a relaxing massage for the child to restore the ligaments. As a rule, pain lasts about three days.

It's no secret that a small child will always be distinguished by restlessness and curiosity. But a child's sense of self-preservation and attitude to personal safety are rarely at their best. That's why all kinds of dislocations, sprains of ligaments, joints and muscles often persecuted children of preschool and primary school age. Today we'll talk about what is the danger of ankle sprain in children and what treatment of this kind of stretching is most effective and promotes rapid healing.
Babies never sit still, but constant movement rarely leads to bone fractures. Light weight and soft fabrics minimize the effects of frequent falls. In most cases, everything is limited to ligament rupture, or, at worst, dislocation.

Sprain- a rare occurrence for children under 3 years. The injury is predominantly to the ankle joint. During active movement, the foot accidentally turns to the inside, sprain occurs.

A bandage in the form of a figure eight is immediately applied to the damaged area, it is also necessary to apply ice for a couple of hours. Be careful: in children under 36 months, more often there are not sprains, but cracks in any bone of the lower leg that appear below.

The medical term "ankle sprain" refers to injury to a ligament or several located in the area, usually on the outside. A distinctive feature of this injury is that only the ligaments are stretched, and the muscles remain intact and never break. If, nevertheless, the child sprained ankle ligaments Please follow the first aid instructions below.

Ice should be applied to the painful surface of the ankle pre-wrapped in a thin cloth. Keep the ice on the painful surface for a quarter of an hour, then take a break for 60 minutes and repeat the steps. It is recommended to keep the ankle in an elevated position, thus minimizing pain and swelling. Place pillows under your foot and other things that will help keep your ankle above your heart.

To keep the joint in the correct position, you can use an elastic bandage, swelling with it will also be less. From medicines, the doctor may prescribe something anti-inflammatory from a number of non-steroidal drugs, for example, Ibuprofen, which will reduce the feeling of pain and stop the inflammatory process. Sometimes painkillers are shown, which are released only by prescription.

When there was a complete rupture of the ligaments and the joint changed its position (slid out of the torn articular bag) - this is a dislocation. Damage is often found in sports competitions, it can be a consequence of wearing uncomfortable shoes, jogging on a road with poor coverage.

Because the ligaments and articular bags babies are very soft and elastic, then dislocations in them happen infrequently. With a dislocation, the appearance of the joint changes, as does the length of the damaged limb. Put a bandage on your leg (arm) and contact your surgeon immediately.

We told you about the consequences for the motor activity of the child can occur with sprains of ligaments and joints, as well as dislocations. Now you know what an ankle sprain in children is and what treatment is most effective. Below we will talk in more detail about what folk remedies will help you quickly get rid of the pain of an ankle sprain. You will also find information on first aid for sprains and sprains, joints and muscles.

Now you know how to act during first aid for sprains or muscles in children. But in any case, after providing the necessary assistance at home in the first hours after the injury, it is necessary to seek the advice of a pediatric traumatologist to ensure proper treatment and elimination of the consequences of dislocations, sprains or joints.

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Bruises, abrasions, sprains - this is a frequent occurrence in the life of every child. Childhood traumas have some features not only of appearance, but also of treatment. Trauma is a mechanical or chemical damage to the body.

As for children, mechanical injuries, such as fractures, dislocations, ankle sprains, are the most typical for them.

Each age period has its own trauma. In the first years of life, abrasions and burns are not uncommon. At an older age, children are characterized by mechanical injuries. Children's bruises differ from adults in terms of healing and rapid recovery processes.

What is an ankle sprain?

Foot sprains in children are one of the most common causes of limited movement.

Ligaments are dense bundles of connective tissue that perform the function of strengthening the joints. Despite the fact that they are quite strong, under heavy loads and sudden movements they can stretch and be torn. There are a large number of nerve fibers and blood vessels in the ligaments, which explains the appearance of severe pain and the appearance of swelling when stretched. If there is damage, a partial tear or complete rupture of the ligaments of the foot may appear.

Foot sprains in children: the main causes of injury

Among the most popular causes of sprains are excessive mechanical stress, such as sudden movements.

Experts note that the most common injuries are joint sprains:

Elbow
knee
Ankle.

Such damage in the baby occurs due to excessive range of motion.

Symptoms of trauma in children

It is important to note that symptoms occur immediately after the injury is received. The first and most basic symptom is a pronounced pain in the joint area. There are also situations when the baby does not feel pain and continues to do his own thing, running and jumping.

Unfortunately, such a situation can only increase the trauma and cause even more harm to the health of the child. A couple of hours after the ankle sprain, swelling occurs, pain increases, and the functions of the joint are disturbed. Specialists distinguish between several degrees of ligament damage.

The first degree is when a small area of the ligament is damaged. Mild pain is noted, which does not affect the mobility of the limb. Edema may be absent.

In the second degree, a partial rupture of the ligament is noted. Signs of injury may be the baby's complaints of severe pain, the appearance of edema, hemorrhage in the form of hematomas.

The third degree is a complete rupture of the ligament. In this case, there is severe pain, large swelling and bruising. If there is a rupture in the ankle joint, it is not possible to step on the limb. The main danger in this situation is a weak joint, which can often be damaged in the future.

How to give first aid to a baby?

If timely assistance is provided, serious consequences can be avoided and treatment can be greatly facilitated. That is why it is very important that parents know how to give their baby first aid. In case of injury, the child should be seated and the immobility of the limb that was injured should be ensured. It is very important to immobilize the joint by applying a tight bandage on it, and in the area of the ankle joint, apply a bandage in the form of the number eight.

When it comes to damage to the ligaments in children of the third degree, you need to apply a splint from improvised materials. To do this, use plywood, a ruler.

Install the material on both sides, and apply the bandage in such a way that the joint is motionless. This procedure perfectly stops the pain and the baby feels relief. You can also apply cold to the area of injury, wrapping it in a towel.

If there is swelling, lay the baby down, and place pillows or folded blankets under the injured leg so that it is higher than the victim's head. In the case of mild to moderate damage, the signs of injury go away after a maximum of 10 days.

Sprain treatment

As a rule, the treatment of a sprained foot consists of physiotherapy procedures that are combined with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and exercise therapy. As soon as the swelling disappears, you can start the exercises that the specialist prescribes, based on the age of the children and the severity of the bruise.

Special physical exercises are an important component of treatment, as they allow you to get rid of the stiffness of movements, in a short time to restore the full functionality of the joint. Anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed only in the acute phase of the disease.

Treatment of the problem at home

The problem of ankle sprains in children can be dealt with at home. On the first day after the injury, you need to apply cold to the sore spot 5 times. This procedure should take at least 5 minutes.

The limb must be fixed with a bandage or elastic bandage. A similar bandage is worn for a week, taking breaks during sleep.

Another condition for the quick recovery of a baby who has received a sprain is the treatment of the foot with anti-inflammatory ointments, for example, Dolobene, Diprilif. This kind of ointment not only copes well with inflammation, but also has a persistent analgesic effect. If hematomas or swelling are present on the ankle, it is recommended to use ointments that increase blood circulation, such as, "Heparin", "Indovazin".

Remember that on the first day of injury, the foot needs to be elevated.

Only in this way you can stop pain and quickly get rid of puffiness.

Troubleshooting with folk methods

One of the most effective means of treating ankle sprains in children is compresses.

Onion compress

Take a few heads and grind them into a pulp. Add 1 tablespoon of salt. Take 2 pieces of gauze and transfer the onion medicine between the layers. Place the compress directly on the area of injury.

You need to keep it for about 5 hours. You can apply such a compress once a day until the puffiness is completely eliminated.

clay compress

Dilute the clay with water to make a slurry. You can add some garlic to the mixture. The slurry is applied to the tissue and left on the damaged area. After 2 hours, the compress will heat up and it will be possible to remove it from the limb. After 2-3 such procedures, you can save the child from puffiness.

Aloe compress

The leaves of the plant should be washed well and finely chopped. Make a slurry from the plant and apply to the affected area. Don't forget to bandage the injured area. As soon as the compress warms up, you can remove it.

Treatment of damage to the ligaments of the foot in children is a difficult task, but doable if the treatment is approached competently and comprehensively.

Use pharmaceutical preparations in combination with folk methods, and soon your baby will be healthy and active again. Be sure to consult a specialist before starting home treatment.

Of course, it is impossible to protect your child from falls. The main thing that parents can do is to tell how serious bruises can be. It is also very important to describe the symptoms of injury, injury. Provide your children with moderate physical activity.

How to give first aid to a child with sprain, dislocation? What should every parent know? You will find answers to questions in the article.

Typical childhood trauma

Young children often fall during outdoor play, but they rarely break bones. A small body weight and a well-developed cover of soft tissues weaken the force of impact when falling. Prevent fractures and features of the structure of bones and joints in children. The bones of a child contain less minerals than those of an adult, due to which they have elasticity and resilience. Around the bone, like a clutch, is the periosteum, in children it is thick and flexible, well supplied with blood. When a bone is fractured, the periosteum often does not rupture completely and prevents a large displacement of the fragments. In the bones of the limbs and spine in children there are layers of growth cartilage. It is called so because bones grow due to this cartilage. The cartilage is flexible, which also prevents fractures.
Sprain. In children of the first 3 years of life, such injuries are rare. Ankle sprains are the most common. They occur with an awkward movement, when the foot is tucked inward. At this moment, the baby feels a sharp pain, which gradually subsides. However, after some time, a swelling appears on the outer surface of the ankle joint, sometimes bluish in color, painful to the touch. Movement in the joint, although possible, is limited. The child spares the leg and steps on it with difficulty.

For first aid, a fixing 8-shaped bandage and an ice pack are applied to the sprain site for 2-3 hours. However, for children of this age group, not sprains are more characteristic, but fractures like a crack in one of the bones of the lower leg in its lower third. A crack is diagnosed only with an X-ray examination. Therefore, after providing first aid to the child, it is necessary to show the traumatologist.

Sprains and dislocations in children. First Aid Dislocations. In the event of an accident, the joint capsule may rupture, and then one of the bones slips out of the joint cavity. Articular bags and ligaments in children are very elastic, and therefore dislocations at an early age are quite rare. You can recognize a dislocation by the following signs: the usual contours of the joint are violated, movements in it become sharply limited, pain in the joint increases, the limb shortens or lengthens.

In case of dislocation or suspicion of it, it is necessary to create maximum rest for the injured arm or leg, apply a splint or fixing bandage and deliver the child to the surgeon as soon as possible. If you delay because of the rapidly increasing swelling, it will be difficult to set the bone into the joint. In addition, a nerve or vessel can be pinched between the bones, and this will lead to serious consequences (paralysis or necrosis of the limb). A non-professional should not correct a dislocation, since in some cases it is difficult to distinguish a dislocation from a bone fracture, and when providing first aid, it is possible to harm rather than help the child.
Subluxation of the radius in the elbow joint. This injury only occurs between 2 and 3 years of age and is also referred to as "pull dislocation". Trauma usually results from a movement in which the child's arm, which is in an extended position, is subjected to a sharp stretch along the longitudinal axis of the arm, more often upward, sometimes forward. The child may stumble or slip, and the adult who leads him, holding the hand, pulls on it to keep the baby from falling. Sometimes in a small child, such a stretch occurs during the game (adults, taking him by the hands, twist around him) or putting on a narrow sleeve. In some cases, an adult may hear that the hand crunched.

Whatever the reason that caused the damage, the child cries out in pain, after which he immediately stops moving his arm, keeps it in a forced position, stretching it along the body and slightly bending at the elbow. The rotational movements of the forearm in the elbow joint are especially painful. This damage is due to the fact that in such young children, the ligament holding the radius is still weak. By the age of 4-5, it gets stronger, and such complications no longer occur.

Reduction of the subluxation is easy in most cases. The forearm is carefully transferred to the position of flexion at a right angle in the elbow joint, the patient's hand is grasped with the same hand and rotational movements of the forearm are made. In this case, the child experiences some pain, and the adjuster feels a clicking or a slight crunch. Repositioning takes place. The child immediately calms down and literally after 1-2 minutes freely moves his hand and begins to use it as healthy. There is no need to apply a fixing bandage. But you need to be careful and not lead the child by the sore hand. When walking with toddlers, it is better to use the "reins".

Traumatic dislocations of large joints (hip, knee, shoulder) in children of 3 years of age practically do not occur.

Based on the materials of the article "Damage of bones and joints".

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