As parents we do a lot to keep our children hale and hearty. While healthy food intake, academic excellence and growing up with the right values may be on top of our minds, parents seldom think about bone strength and deformities that may occur during childhood.
Healthy bones are vital for growing kids. But at times this can get hindered on account of injury at play or sports, defects by birth or simply by negligence. This can cause stunted growth or in cases of untreated deformity/injury make the child susceptible to bone conditions like Osteoporosis in future. It is always best to consult a Pediatric Orthopedic Specialist should such a need arise.
Paediatric Orthopaedics is a specialist service in treating babies and children with congenital, developmental and acquired musculoskeletal conditions. And you can find the right medical help for it at the Singapore Sports and Orthopaedic Clinic.
Bone Conditions and Injuries in Kids
Children are delicate, at least before they turn teens. They make higher bone deposits, have growth plates till 12 years of age which helps them to grow. Any injury or disease impacting these growth cells can hamper their growth to adulthood. Also, the bone structures are much smaller and standard treatment might not work best for them. They need specialized treatment helping them to recover well without any difficulty. Other than sports related injuries the common Paediatric Ortho conditions are clubfoot, perthes disease, flat feet, developmental dysplasia of the hip or other body part. Deformities in bones since birth is also quite common but can be easily treated at early age.
Till 12 years of age, the bones are not fully calcified and its difficult to trace it through X-rays. Paediatric Injuries or deformities can be dreadful and the only reason why one should consult a child-bone specialist. Children are often traumatised during their injury and need special care during their consultation. No necessary, that they would be able to guide you how they feel and where exactly it is hurting. The specialist can only figure out how to talk to them and know what exactly is making them uncomfortable.
Managing the Risk of Injuries
Given the playful age that kids are in we certainly cannot control injuries, but these can be prevented if we take precautions. For example as parents we can ensure -
- Safe playing area devoid of debris and holes
- Follow game rules and avoid any sort of dangerous practices
- Protective gear like helmet, knee pads, etc should be the first thing to put on before sports such as rollerblading or cycling.
- Kids who do indulge in strenuous sports should limit their play time.
- Warming up and toning up is must to avoid any muscle sprain.
- Resume to play only after complete recovery (in case of prior injury)
Children who are into high energy sports and younger than 12 years of age need special care and attention. And in the event of injury should be treated by the child specialists.
Skills in Treating the Young Ones
Medical terminology is way different than how children see their injuries. With unfounded fears and limited knowledge, the fear of undergoing treatment can shoot up anxiety level. Most children fear medical examination rooms and doctors which makes it difficult to diagnose them. A pediatrician knows how to make children comfortable and cooperative. Special Medical equipment which is designed as per age helps them to examine a child and treat accordingly. Its not surprising when you see how Pediatric Clinics are decorated with toys, videos or reading materials. All these arrangements are made to make them feel comfortable and release their anxiety before they meet the doctor.
Child Bone Specialist at Singapore Sports & Orthopaedic Clinic
There is a difference between treating fully grown bones and growing bones. Also, this is the major difference between Orthopaedic Doctor and Paediatric Orthopaedic specialist. Latter is specialized in treating growing bones and knows how important is to treat them quick with the right diagnosis and treatment. A Child Bone Doctor knows how to examine sports injury and other conditions with utmost patience and care.
Singapore Sports and Orthopaedic clinic has a specialized team of Paediatric Orthopaedics who have expertise in treating these special cases of Sports Injury.