Kids' Injuries in Sports and at Home: When Is It Right to Seek Medical Attention?

THURSDAY, Nov. 21, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- A sprain on the soccer field. A tumble to the floor at home.

Kids get injured, but as a parent, when's the right time to bring them to a doctor or ER? Pediatric sports medicine and orthopedic physician Dr. Bianca Edison , of Children's Hospital Los Angeles, offers up guidance for worried moms and dads. First of all, she said, don't assume that childhood injuries are seldom severe: Edison pointed to U.

S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics, showing that nearly half (45%) of playground injuries involve fractures, dislocations, concussions and other harms serious enough to need urgent medical attention. She broke down child injuries into four types: head injuries, mouth/tooth injuries, fractures and eye injuries.

Head injuries A knock to the noggin isn't an uncommon event for rambunctious kids. But certain symptoms may signal that more than a hug is needed to help your child. “They include severe crankiness above and beyond what the child normally displays, multiple vomiting episodes, slurred speech, different pupil sizes and a sudden change in the way the child walks,” according to Edison.

“These symptoms are of significant concern and need immediate medical attention.” There are certain metrics that can also help, especially when it comes to head injuries linked to falls. If the child is less than 2 years old and falls more than 3 feet, or is over age 2 and falls more than 5 feet, a trip to the emergency roo.