A broken (fractured) bone requires emergency care. Suspect a
possible broken bone if your child heard or felt a bone snap, if
your child has difficulty moving the injured part, or if the
injured part moves in an unnatural way or is very painful to the
touch. A sprain occurs when the ligaments, which hold bones
together, are overstretched and partially torn. Simply
overstretching any part of the musculature is called a strain.
Sprains and strains generally cause swelling and pain, and there
may be bruises around the injured area. Most sprains, after
proper medical evaluation, can be treated at home. What to Do:
For a Suspected Broken Bone: If the injury involves your child's
neck or back, do not move him unless the child is in imminent
danger. Movement can cause serious nerve damage. Phone for
emergency medical help. If your child must be moved, the neck
and back must be completely immobilized first. Keeping your
child's head, neck, and back in alignment, move the child as a
unit. If your child has an open bre