Understanding Nursemaid’s Elbow: A Common Injury in Young Children
Nursemaid’s elbow is a common injury in young children, causing arm discomfort. OrthoConnecticut offers expert, quick treatment to restore movement.
February 14, 2025
Nursemaid’s elbow is a common injury in young children, causing arm discomfort. OrthoConnecticut offers expert, quick treatment to restore movement.
World Pediatric Bone and Joint Day is an observance held on October 19th each year. The day aims to raise awareness about pediatric musculoskeletal conditions, promote early detection and treatment, and emphasize the importance of bone and joint health in children. World Pediatric Bone and Joint Day focuses on various conditions affecting the bones and joints in children, such as fractures, growth plate injuries, scoliosis, developmental dysplasia of the hip, and other musculoskeletal disorders. The goal is to educate the public, healthcare professionals and policymakers about these conditions and their impact on children’s overall health and quality of life. Fractures The most common fracture among children is the distal radius fracture, also known as a wrist fracture. This type of fracture occurs in the area near the wrist joint, usually as a result of a fall onto an outstretched hand. Distal radius fractures are particularly common in children due to their active nature, involvement in sports and recreational activities, and the fact that their bones are still developing and are more prone to injury. Growth Plate Injuries Growth plate injuries, also known as epiphyseal plate injuries or physeal fractures, occur in the cartilaginous growth plates at the ends of long bones in children and adolescents. The growth plates are responsible for bone growth and development, and they gradually close as a person reaches skeletal maturity. These injuries typically occur in children and adolescents whose bones are still growing. The growth plates are weaker than the surrounding bone, making them more susceptible to injury. Growth plate injuries can happen due to various causes, such as trauma from a fall, sports-related activities, or accidents. Scoliosis Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. When it occurs in children and adolescents, it is known as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Juvenile arthritis (JA) refers to a group of chronic inflammatory diseases that affect children and teenagers. An autoimmune condition, the exact cause of juvenile arthritis is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is important to work with a doctor to help guide you and your child through JA. The discussion of medication, pain management, physical activity, emotional support, and diet is critical to the overall well being of your child. It can seem overwhelming, but one of the easiest changes to make in the life of a child with JA is through food. Eating a healthy diet is important for any growing child, but children with juvenile arthritis (JA) face an additional challenge: Eating foods that promote growth and development and help quiet inflammation. Diet can play a role in managing the symptoms of juvenile arthritis. While there is no specific diet that can cure the condition, certain dietary choices may help reduce inflammation, support overall health, and improve symptoms. Here are some diet tips for managing pain in juvenile arthritis: Healthy eating should also be family-friendly. Eating to support a child with JA is good for the entire family, so avoid singling anyone out and ensure the entire family enjoys this healthy approach to nutrition and diet. Lastly, ask for help. It’s a great idea to work closely with a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietician in concert with your child’s rheumatologist, to help provide personalized dietary recommendations and guidance based on your child’s specific condition and needs. Related Resources:
Medically reviewed by Angelo Ciminiello, M.D. Yes, children can get shin splints. Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, can occur in children who engage in activities that involve repetitive impact on the legs, such as running, jumping, or playing sports like soccer or basketball. Shin splints can be a common source of discomfort and pain for young athletes, but with proper knowledge and proactive measures, they can be effectively managed. In this article, we will explore the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for shin splints in kids. By understanding these key aspects, parents, coaches, and young athletes themselves can work together to ensure a safe and healthy sporting experience. So, let’s dive into the world of shin splints and discover how to keep young feet moving with confidence and comfort. Symptoms of Shin Splints The symptoms of shin splints in children may include: If your child is experiencing symptoms of shin splints, it’s essential to provide them with adequate rest and avoid activities that exacerbate the pain. Applying ice packs to the affected area and using over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce inflammation and discomfort. Stretching and strengthening exercises prescribed by a healthcare professional may also aid in recovery. Causes of Shin Splints Overuse and repetitive stress: Engaging in high-impact activities, such as running, dancing, and jumping, without proper conditioning and gradual progression can strain the muscles and tendons in the lower leg, leading to shin splints. Sudden increase in activity level: A rapid increase in training intensity, duration, or frequency can overload the muscles and tissues in the lower leg, increasing the risk of developing shin splints. Improper footwear: Wearing shoes that lack proper support, cushioning, or do not fit well can contribute to the development of shin splints. Inadequate shock absorption can increase stress
What is Scoliosis? Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine. When looking at the spine directly from the back, it should appear as a straight line. With scoliosis, the spine appears to curve to one side, or both. The curving can involve twisting of the vertebrae which may be less perceptible to a nurse or a physician during a medical exam. A small percent of children are born with scoliosis (called congenital scoliosis), but a majority of scoliosis cases develop in children during their adolescent and teen years, particularly during their growth spurt (generally between the ages of 10 and 15). OrthoConnecticut has several orthopedic specialists who specialize in the treatment of congenital and idiopathic scoliosis. What Causes Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in Children? In about 80% of cases, there is no known cause for scoliosis. This is called idiopathic scoliosis. Most cases of scoliosis in adolescents and teens fall into this category, which is why it is often referred to as Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Childhood Scoliosis Risk Factors Scoliosis is fairly common. Approximately 5-10 percent of the population has scoliosis. The total number of scoliosis cases in the United States is estimated to be greater than 4 million (National Scoliosis Foundation) and it is the most common spinal deformity in school-age children. Heredity is a risk factor for developing scoliosis. Among patients with relatives that have scoliosis, about 20 percent develop the condition. In addition, less common causes of scoliosis include certain neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, as well as birth defects affecting spinal development and spinal cord abnormalities. Spinal injuries or infections may also cause scoliosis in a few cases. While both boys and girls are equally at risk for scoliosis, girls are at a significantly higher risk of developing significant curving (more severe
July is Juvenile Arthritis (JA) awareness month and OrthoConnecticut is helping to raise awareness. Things to do – learn about JA, wear a blue ribbon, cook an anti-inflammatory recipe, make a donation, help raise awareness by telling your story, and host or attend a community event. Did you know? 300,000 – that’s how many children 16 or younger in the United States have JA (also known as pediatric rheumatic disease). For these kids (and their caregivers) an arthritic flareup frequently means coping with not only the physical symptoms of the disease but the emotional impact on kids including pain, loneliness, and depression resulting from lack of engagement in normal childhood activities with friends and family. What is JA? JA is a group of inflammatory and rheumatic diseases, but most children with JA have an autoimmune type where the immune system mistakenly views healthy tissue/cells as foreign invaders, and mistakenly perceives the need to fight these “invaders” creating arthritic pain in joints where two bones meet. Joint symptoms commonly include swelling, tenderness, warmth, stiffness, and inflammation. Less common symptoms include skin rash symptoms, eye pain/sensitivity, diarrhea, bloating, shortness of breath, fatigues, fever, or heart issues. Symptoms are broad because there are many types of JA including: juvenile idiopathic arthritis, juvenile myositis, juvenile Lupus, juvenile scleroderma, vasculitis, and fibromyalgia. OrthoConnecticut helps treat several types of Juvenile Arthritis and can work with your pediatrician and/or pediatric rheumatologist to prescribe the right treatment. Tips to Manage JA Healthy Eating for JA Kids with JA need to balance food for healthy growth and development while limiting those that are inflammatory. Arthritis.org recommends focusing on a diet with whole, unprocessed foods, whole fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fatty fish. Food to emphasize in the diet include: Avoid or limit foods that can cause inflammation including:
If you’ve been experiencing bothersome pain in your legs or feet, you should consider getting an orthotic. Orthotics provide fantastic foot support that can reduce discomfort and pain in your feet, legs, hips, and back. People young and old use orthotics to alleviate their discomfort. While some buy orthotics in the store, others choose to spring for a pricier custom orthotic. So, what’s the difference between the two? And are custom orthotics worth it? What Are Custom Orthotics? Custom orthotics are a medical device that you insert into a pair of shoes to support your feet, ankles, and legs as you walk. Custom-made orthotics are tailored to your feet, meaning they provide even more support by correcting unbalanced steps. They are used to treat a variety of conditions, such as: Orthotics also act as shock absorbers and help to prevent injuries, which is why many athletes use custom orthotics. The shock absorption technology that custom orthotics use reduces pressure and stress from the feet and ankles, which can lead to healthier joints in the long-term. Custom orthotics also do a better job at providing support than store-bought orthotics because they are tailored to your foot, height, size, weight, and medical condition. Is it Worth Getting Custom Orthotics? While a regular orthotic may cost between $50 and $200, custom orthotics are usually much more expensive — between $200 and $800. Although this seems like a lot of money, custom orthotics offer many benefits that store-bought ones do not; and they are much more effective. Why? The science of correcting your gait in a way that aligns and supports your foot, ankle, knee, and hip is very complex and extremely difficult. When you are being fitted for custom orthotics, the specialist will analyze each of these components to design an orthotic that
Girls and Sports is a Win-Win Girls participating in sports is a win-win that stretches far beyond known physical aerobic benefits. Being part of a team encourages cooperation, self-reliance, confidence/self-esteem, friendships, adventure, fun, health benefits and the joy of movement and teamwork that carries into adult life. Are there obstacles? Yes! There are fewer obstacles because of Title IX, but disincentives such as cost, access, and “throws like a girl” comments still exist. Even so, the benefits certainly outweigh them. What are some of the benefits? According to momsTEAM, a trusted source for parents, sports benefits girls in many ways including getting through the trials of adolescence: Tips to keep girls in the game as they grow into adulthood OrthoConnecticut & OrthoCare Express Can Help Our physicians and physician assistants are available to advise on sports safety. We know accidents happen, that’s why walk-in orthopedic specialist care is available 7-days a week at our urgent care service, OrthoCare Express. Download our vCard so the contact information is already in your address book, should an emergency happen.
Today’s Youth Sports Injuries and How to Keep Up By Dr. Joshua B. Frank, OrthoConnecticut Over the years we have learned a tremendous amount about sports, physiology, bio-mechanics, and technique. This advancement in knowledge has allowed athletes to become faster, stronger, quicker, and more efficient. Sports medicine has advanced concurrently, and there has been a particular focus on youth athletes. Sports injures can be thought of in two categories: acute and sub-acute, or chronic injuries.
Call OrthoConnecticut today at 1.833.678.4628 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
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