Caring for a Child with a Broken Leg?
If your child breaks a bone in their leg, they will have a splint to help and protect the bones while the fracture heals. The cast may be:
- a full cast
- a partial cast held in place with bandages – this is called a back slab.
It is important that you take care of your child's leg and throw it in carefully after leaving the hospital.
Fractures are painful. Although immobilizing the leg with a cast will help reduce pain, additional analgesia (eg paracetamol) is regularly required. Give painkillers regularly for the first not many days, following the bearings on the package, or as coordinated by a specialist.
Elevate the leg
Skincare
Tingling under the cast is normal. Make sure your child avoids scratching inside the cast as this can damage the skin and cause contamination. Try not to allow them to push any object into the cast. Although it may be very tempting to remove the backboard for brief periods, it is suggested that you leave it in place. Never cut or try to change a cast or bandage. You can help relieve the tingling by using a hair dryer to blow cool air into the cast (do not use warm or hot air as this can wear down the skin or warp the cast). Antihistamines may be helpful in reducing tingling. Talk to your local pharmacist about a suitable antihistamine medication to take advantage of.
Cast care
If your child has a plaster cast, it is important to keep the cast clean and dry. To shower or bathe, seal the splint in a plastic bag with tape or a rubber band. Never allow your child to soak a cast in water, regardless of whether it is in a plastic bag. Despite the fact that fiberglass molds are waterproof, you really want to make sure the stuffing underneath stays dry. Assuming your child has a fiberglass cast, treat it like a plaster cast and avoid getting it wet.
Moving about
Children are generally not allowed to put any weight on their broken leg to walk and must keep the foot off the ground. More established children may use braces assuming it is safe to do so. Toddlers cannot safely manage cushions, but they may have the option of using a walking frame. A wheelchair or pusher will be needed where supports or a walking frame are troublesome and for long distances.
In the event that your child is not allowed to put some weight on his leg, he should wear specialized shoes over his cast. This is important to protect the cast and also to reduce the risk of falls.
After the cast is removed, the skin may be dry, scaly, or even rancid. Here and there the skin appears red with prominent little clicks. Skin hair may appear darker and thicker than usual. In the long run, the appearance of the leg will return to business as usual.
Wash the man with warm water and soap. A soft cloth can be used, but avoid scrubbing the leather as this may cause it to drain. Apply a thin, unscented moisturizer after you shower. It may take several days of careful washing to get rid of all the dead skin.
Every now and then it expands once the cast is taken out. Elevate your leg while resting. Gentle foot exercises will also be helpful (moving the foot up, down, around, and around). In case of severe enlargement, limit your child's physical activity, rest and elevate your leg.
Since the calf muscles are not used while the leg is in the cast, they will be weak at first. The leg will look more slender, and the ankle or knee may be stable. Your baby's legs will gradually return to their unexpected size and strength with regular use.
Your PCP will tell you if your child has any restrictions on walking and may have to continue using braces, a walking frame, or a wheelchair for some time. Your child may be concerned about putting weight on his leg. It's normal for them to limp from the start, or walk their leg stationary or turned outward. This will improve over time, and most children will regain full use of their legs through their usual activities and play within a couple of months. Encouragement helps build their confidence and enables them to return to normal activities sooner.
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