Straddle Injury in Children: Care Instructions

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Your Care Instructions

A straddle injury happens when your child hurts the area between the legs. This can happen after a fall onto an object such as a bicycle bar or the top of a fence. A straddle injury can swell and may bleed. It can be painful, but it's usually not serious. The pain should go away in 3 to 4 days.

In boys, the injury may be a bruise or a cut on the penis or on the sac that hangs below the penis (scrotum). Girls can get small cuts or bruises on the folds of skin or lips (labia) of the genitals.

The doctor has checked your child carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

  • Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
    • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
    • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask the doctor if your child can take over-the-counter medicine.
  • Put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's skin.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You cannot stop your child's bleeding.
  • Your child passes out (loses consciousness).

Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • Your child has pain or burning when he or she urinates.
  • There is blood in your child's urine.
  • Your child passes only a little urine.
  • Your child has a new or higher fever or chills.
  • Your child's pain gets worse.
  • Your child's swelling gets worse.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if:

  • Your child is not getting better after 1 week.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

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Current as of: November 20, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: John Pope, MD, MPH - Pediatrics & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine