Hand Doctors Tips for Preventing Fall Injuries in Young Children
Falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries for children in the United States, with more than 2 million fall injuries requiring treatment in an emergency room every year. As one of Bloomfield Hill’s leading children’s hand and wrist doctors, Dr. Rehman treats hundreds of children every year who have been injured in a fall.
From the moment your child starts to walk, the world is full of new adventures and discoveries – in addition to potential hazards! Almost any activity, from climbing on furniture, ascending stairs, or playing on a playground can result in a tumble. And, while we would love to raise our children in a safety bubble, it is impossible to protect your kids 24/7.
But while childhood injuries have always been an inevitable part of growing up, there are some more serious hazards that you can help your child avoid! In this article Bloomfield Hills children’s hand doctor Dr. Rehman shares 4 things parents can do to prevent children’s fall injuries.
Statistics on Children’s Fall Injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls represent the leading cause of non-fatal injuries in children aged 0-19 years, resulting in nearly 2.2 million emergency department visits annually. Recent data from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) indicates that approximately 40% of these falls result in upper extremity injuries, with wrist and elbow fractures being particularly common.
Studies published in the Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics show that playground-related falls account for over 200,000 emergency department visits annually for children under 14. The National Program for Playground Safety reports that nearly 80% of playground injuries involve falls, with approximately 45% resulting in severe injuries including fractures, internal injuries, or multiple injuries requiring specialist intervention.
For young athletes, the Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Review reports that fall-related injuries account for about 35% of all sports injuries in children aged 5-14. Basketball and soccer show the highest rates of fall-related hand and wrist injuries, with fractures occurring in approximately 25% of cases. The American Society for Surgery of the Hand notes that proper evaluation by a qualified hand specialist within the first 24 hours of injury significantly improves outcomes, particularly in cases involving growth plate injuries.
Research from the Journal of Hand Surgery indicates that approximately 15% of pediatric fall injuries involving the hand require surgical intervention, while the remaining 85% can typically be managed with conservative treatment when properly evaluated and treated by an experienced hand specialist. These statistics emphasize the importance of prompt professional evaluation following any significant fall injury to ensure appropriate treatment and optimal recovery.
(1.) Prevent Children’s Fall Injuries from Windows
Check that all screens are properly installed. Do not allow children to jump, climb or play near open windows. Consider installing window guards to prevent unintentional window falls. (Include an emergency release device in case of fire)
(2.) Prevent Children’s Fall Injuries from Stairs
Install approved safety gates at the tops and bottoms of stairs – preferably that can be attached to the wall. Read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels when selecting your gate, as not all gates are approved for use at the top of stairs.
(3.) Prevent Children’s Fall Injuries from Furniture
Always secure TVs and furniture such as dressers to the wall using mounts, brackets, braces, anchors or wall straps in order to prevent tip-overs.
Unfortunately, child injury from tipping furniture is more common than people realize – and can result is serious injury or even be fatal for a child.
Also be certain to check regularly for any furniture recalls. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offers recall information on more than 15,000 kinds of consumer products used in and around the home. www.cpsc.gov/Recalls
(4.) Prevent Children’s Fall Injuries from Playgrounds & Sports
Choosing playgrounds with shock-absorbing surfaces such as rubber, synthetic turf, sand, pea gravel, wood chips or mulch will cushion the inevitable spills that children take. Always avoid playground equipment situated on asphalt, concrete, grass or dirt.
While older children can be taught “how to fall” in order to avoid wrist and hand injuries from FOOSH (“Falling Onto Outstretched Hand”), younger children may not be able to absorb this lesson. However, protective equipment, such as helmets and wrist guards can go a long way toward preventing injuries when children are learning to ride a bike or use a skateboard.
Top Bloomfield Hills Children’s Hand Doctor
Injuries from falling are unavoidable in small children, but there are things your child can do to decrease his or her risk.
Dr. Rehman’s practice specializes in treating pediatric hand injuries resulting from falls. Her expertise in managing growth plate injuries, complex fractures, and soft tissue trauma helps ensure optimal healing and return to activity for young patients. Early intervention and proper treatment of these injuries prove crucial for preventing long-term complications and ensuring normal hand development.
If you or your child is suffering from an injury or pain in your fingers, wrist, elbow or arm, contact board certified Bloomfield Hills Children’s Hand Doctor Dr. Rehman for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation. Early detection, awareness, and a therapy & treatment plan is the only way to ensure there are no long term complications.
Doctor Rehman will assess your individual situation with care and compassion, and prescribe the treatments that are best for your child’s injury.
