- Children’s Orthopaedic & Spine Care Clinic
When your child’s leg or arm hurts, it can be a challenging experience. Intense pain can interfere with sleep, school, and everyday activities. If the pain is from an injury, seeking medical help may seem like the best action. But is it always? As paediatric orthopaedists, we are uniquely placed to evaluate and treat children for conditions that can cause leg and arm pain. We will discuss why a paediatric orthopaedic may be a good choice for your child. We will also provide information on how to find and consult with one, as well as some tips on how to manage your child’s care.
The most common orthopaedic issues in paediatric patients are femoroacetabular impingement, congenital hip dysplasia, and talipes equinovarus. Femoroacetabular impingement is where the femur (thighbone) rubs against the acetabulum (hip socket). It can cause pain and stiffness, which may require surgery.
Congenital hip dysplasia is a condition in which the baby's hip joint doesn't develop normally, causing painful arthritis later in life. Talipes equinovarus is a congenital disability of the foot that causes the foot to be twisted sideways. It can cause difficulty walking and pain when standing or walking. It will further cause issues in your daily activities, which will make things difficult for you.
There are several types of X-rays and scans that pediatric patients may undergo. They include plain films, CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasounds. Plain film is an X-ray that uses a light-sensitive material to create an image. CT scans are similar to plain films, but they use a computer to create the image. MRI scans use magnetic fields and images to create a picture of the body. Ultrasounds use sound waves to produce pictures of internal organs.
Pediatric orthopedic issues can include simple bone fractures to more complicated conditions such as cerebral palsy. Orthopedic specialists typically use a combination of medical imaging, physical examination, and diagnostic tests to determine the cause of an issue and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
If you are considering seeing a pediatric orthopedic specialist, be sure to bring all of your child's medical records with you. The specialist will likely ask about recent injuries, health problems, and surgeries. In addition, the specialist may request X-rays or other imaging tests to rule out any underlying structural problems.
Paediatric orthopaedics is a subspecialty of orthopaedic surgery that deals with problems affecting the bones and joints in children. Problems that may require orthopaedic care include fractures, dislocations, growth abnormalities, and sports injuries. There are different treatments for orthopaedic issues in paediatric patients based on the specific problem. Treatment options may include surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
Most pediatric orthopedic problems can be treated with surgery. Surgery can be done to fix a fracture or dislocation or to correct a growth abnormality. For example, surgery may be needed to fix a broken bone (fracture) or to move a bone out of the way so that it does not interfere with normal body function (dislocation). Surgery is often used to treat sports injuries, such as strains and sprains.
Physical therapy is an integral part of treatment for many paediatric orthopaedic issues. Physical therapy helps improve movement and function by restoring mobility and strength in the area affected by the injury.
Physical therapy may also help relieve pain and swelling from the injury. Rehabilitation is another essential part of treatment for many paediatric orthopaedic problems. Rehabilitation helps children return to normal activities as quickly as possible after their injury has healed. It includes physical therapy, exercise programs, and tutorials about how to avoid future injuries.
Paediatric orthopaedics can be an excellent option for children who are experiencing pain or have been injured. Orthopaedic surgeons will work with other specialists to provide the best possible care for your child. By understanding what was causing your child's pain and how to correct it, they can help them lead a more comfortable life. If you have a child needing orthopaedics, please don't hesitate to speak with your doctor about the possibilities.