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Closed Reduction of a Fractured Bone in Children: What to Expect at Home

Your Child's Recovery

Your doctor fixed your child's broken (fractured) bone without surgery. Your child's pain should get much better almost right after the procedure. But your child may have some bone pain or aching for 2 to 3 weeks.

How soon your child can return to a normal routine depends on how long it takes the bone to heal.

Healthy habits can help your child heal. Give your child a variety of healthy foods. And don't smoke around your child.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for your child to recover. But each child recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to help your child get better as quickly as possible.

How can you care for your child at home?

Activity

Encourage your child to rest. Getting enough sleep will help your child recover.
Increase your child's activity as recommended by the doctor. Being active boosts blood flow and helps prevent pneumonia and constipation. It is usually okay for your child to exercise other parts of the body as soon as he or she feels well enough.
Remind your child not to put weight on the broken bone until the doctor says it is okay.
Your child can take showers or baths, but do not let your child get the cast wet. Tape a sheet of plastic to cover the cast so that it stays dry. It may help to have your child sit on a shower stool.

Diet

Your child can eat a normal diet. If your child's stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.

Medicines

Give pain medicines exactly as directed.
- 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 your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
If you think pain medicine is making your child feel sick:
- Give the medicine after meals (unless your doctor has told you not to).
- Ask the doctor for a different pain medicine.
If the doctor prescribed antibiotics for your child, give them as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.

Exercise

Have your child do exercises as instructed by the doctor or physiotherapist. These exercises will help keep your child's muscles strong and joints flexible while the bone is healing.
Ask your child to wiggle the fingers or toes on the injured arm or leg often. This helps reduce swelling and stiffness.

Other instructions

Keep your child's cast dry.
Use a sling to support your child's fractured limb, if the doctor tells you to.
Do not stick objects such as pencils or coat hangers in your child's cast to scratch the skin.
Do not put powder into your child's cast to relieve itchy skin.
Never cut or alter your child's cast.

When should you call for help?

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

Your child passes out (loses consciousness).
Your child has severe trouble breathing.
Your child has sudden chest pain and shortness of breath or coughs up blood.

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

Your child has pain that does not get better after he or she takes pain medicine.
Your child's fingers or toes on the injured arm or leg are cool or pale or change colour.
Your child's fingers or toes tingle or feel numb.
Your child cannot move the fingers or toes.
Your child says the cast feels too tight.
Your child says the skin under the cast is burning or stinging.
Your child has a fever.
Your child has drainage or a bad smell coming from the cast.

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

Your child has any problems with the cast.

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

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