Kids move fast. They run, climb, jump, fall, and occasionally learn that gravity isn’t exactly forgiving. One minute your child is playing normally and the next they’re holding their arm crying.
If your child has a broken bone in Rockville, MD, your first thought may be to rush them to the emergency room. But, depending on the type and severity of the break, a pediatric urgent care facility could be the better choice.
Here’s when to seek treatment at a pediatric urgent care center like POP Now.
How Do I Know If My Child Possibly Has a Broken Bone?
Broken bones aren’t always dramatic or noticeable. Sometimes there’s a fracture that’s totally invisible from the outside.
After a fall, your child may experience significant pain, along with:
- Swelling near the injured area
- Bruising
- Difficulty moving their arm or leg
- Trouble putting weight on it
If your child refuses to use an arm or walk on a leg that was fine earlier in the day, you’ll want to have the injury evaluated by a medical professional.
Sprains, strains, and deep bruising can all look very similar and share many of the same symptoms. This is why it’s not always possible to tell what happened by simply looking from the outside.
Is the E.R. or Urgent Care Best for a Child With a Broken Bone in Rockville?
POP Now is a helpful option for children who need prompt medical care but don’t have a life threatening injury. We provide same-day pediatric care for many injuries, including sprains, strains, and fractures.
However, we don’t offer radiology imaging. If you suspect your child has a major orthopedic injury, we recommend going directly to the E.R. or another urgent care facility that offers these services.
While not every fracture requires a trip to the E.R., some injuries are absolute emergencies. You should seek immediate care if:
- The bone is visibly deformed
- The bone is protruding through the skin
- Your child is experiencing extreme pain
- There’s loss of feeling or severe bleeding
When in doubt, it’s better to have a serious injury properly evaluated rather than hoping it will improve on its own.
What Can I Do Before Heading to a Doctor?
The most important thing you can do is keep your child as comfortable and as still as possible.
If a limb looks crooked, don’t try to straighten it. Instead, keep the injured area in the position you found it and support it as much as possible.
Prevent your child from putting unnecessary weight on an injured foot or leg.
If there’s swelling, an ice pack wrapped in a soft towel can provide some comfort. Don’t place ice directly against the skin.
Though it can be tempting, don’t run to Dr. Google to try to diagnose on your own. It’s best to wait to see a doctor to determine exactly what’s going on.
Should I Go to POP Now for Other Childhood Injuries?
Not every tumble or fall requires care at a hospital.
POP Now is designed to offer convenient pediatric care with same-day appointments. We’re staffed by pediatric providers and you can trust us to provide the care your little one needs.
While we can’t help with serious orthopedic problems, your child can benefit from a pediatric urgent care evaluation if they have a sprain, strain, or some other low-acuity injuries.
Need Pediatric Care After an Injury? Come to POP Now
There’s no worse feeling than seeing your little one in pain. If you suspect your child has an orthopedic injury, come to POP Now for diagnosis and treatment for a possible broken bone in Rockville.
For same-day care, schedule an appointment online or give our office a call at (240) 922-0001 and visit our Rockville clinic any day of the week!