Should this happen to your child, pediatric orthopedists are equipped to treat them, no matter how difficult or severe. Injuries to the muscles, ligaments, joints, and bones may require the expertise of pediatric orthopedists at an orthopedic clinic. Keep reading to learn when it’s time to take your child to this kind of specialist.
ACL Injury
The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is located in the middle of the knee. It is responsible for keeping the shin bone from sliding out of place and in front of the thigh bone.
Children or young adults who participate in athletics may suffer from an ACL injury at some point in their sports career. Sports such as basketball, football, and soccer are physical sports that can cause damage to the knee, specifically the ACL. Any time kids or teens jump, turn, pivot, or change direction can put unwanted stress on the knee, causing pain and injury to the ACL.
At orthopedic clinics, pediatric orthopedists can best diagnose and treat ACL injuries. If noninvasive methods of treatment aren’t an option, skilled orthopedic surgeons can repair ACL damage and work with young people towards a full recovery.
Shin Splints
Many children love to run. As they get older, they may participate in activities such as track or cross country that extensive running. This continuous exercise can lead to shin splints, especially running for an extended period.
Muscles of the legs becoming irritated and swollen, weakness of the hips, flat feet, or tiny stress fractures of the leg bones are all causes of shin splints.
Most of the time, shin splints will heal over time without the use of invasive procedures. But if shin splints get bad enough, seeing a pediatric orthopedist is a great way to work towards a treatment plan and solution for relief from shin splints.
Broken Bones
It is not uncommon for children to suffer from broken bones at some point in their life. Children like to be adventurous, which can easily lead to injury and broken bones. Thankfully, pediatric orthopedists have you covered when an accident goes wrong.
Proper bone growth is an important part of children’s’ development. Damage to growth plates, which is the soft tissue between the ends of bones, is an important part of growing and developing as this tissue grows along with the bones and eventually turns into the bone itself. Pediatric orthopedists can ensure that bones heal properly so that your child’s development doesn’t suffer.
Concussions
Accidents from children falling or from being hit in the head while playing sports can lead to a concussion. This traumatic brain injury occurs after a blow to the head. Some concussions can be mild, while others may be more severe, but every concussion should be taken seriously, and medical treatment is necessary after receiving a concussion.
A milder concussion can be treated with rest and medication, but more severe shocks that lead to bleeding or swelling of the brain could require surgery. Orthopedists and neurologists at orthopedic clinics can monitor the brain after a concussion to observe healing and progress or provide treatment or faster, more complete healing after a head injury.
If your child has been in an accident or experienced an injury, whether from playing with friends or being involved in a car accident, pediatric orthopedists at AICA Orthopedics can help. With accurate diagnosis and dedicated treatment, your child can recover, and you, as a parent, can have peace of mind that they are in qualified hands. Call today to schedule an appointment with the very best pediatric orthopedists in Atlanta.
