Broken bones are all too common in children.  Most often, broken bones are not life threatening, though they do require you to seek immediate medical care.

Signs of a broken bone

• You or the child heard a snap, grinding noise, or pop during the injury
• There is swelling, bruising, or tenderness
• The pain is one that feels like “pins and needles”
• It is painful to move the injured area or bear weight on it
• There is a protruding bone or disfigurement in the area (obvious visual signs of damage).

If you suspect a broken bone:

• Remove clothing from the injured part.
• Apply a cold pack wrapped in cloth to the injured area.
• Keep the injured limb in the position you found it.
• Splint the extremity if possible by using soft padding near the injured part, and placing something firm like a board or rolled up newspaper to splint it. Keep the splint in place with first aid tape.  Do not keep it too tight.
• Seek medical care immediately.