When Children Feel Pain by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harvard University Press

What to do when an injury happens:

If an injury does develop, seek medical care, and make sure your child takes the time off that’s needed to truly recover. Often this will include physical therapy. “I always emphasize the value of rest,” says Barbara Bergin, an orthopedic surgeon in Austin and cofounder of Texas Orthopedics, Sports, and Rehabilitation Associates. “Nobody wants to rest. They want to take pain-relieving medications and be able to go to school or work. But I suggest that, if you need a pain pill, then you should stay home and rest. With children, I focus on lots of ice, elevation, and TLC.”

If surgery is required, help your child be realistic about the amount of time it means out of the game and find other ways to stay busy. Dr. Bergin, whose own son was sidelined from football due to serious injuries, advises other young athletes to “do something else that gets your focus off of the sadness of your injury—whether that’s a hobby, volunteering, or anything else you enjoy.” And, she adds, “if you’re planning to return to the sport, try to stay involved while you’re recovering by attending practices and games so that you don’t lose contact with your teammates and friends.”

If surgery is involved, ask your child’s physician about what to expect in terms of recovery. The goal is to use the injured part of the body as much as is feasible and to gradually strengthen it under the supervision of medical professionals. So be prepared with concrete questions: When can my child put weight on the injured area? When should my child expect to resume everyday activities? When will my child be given clearance to exercise and start physical therapy?

If your child’s physician prescribes pain medication, be clear on how many days it needs to be taken, and whether over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications can be used simultaneously. In some cases, children can start off with a lower dose of prescription pain medication if they combine it with an OTC pain reliever approved by the doctor. Prescription pain medications are often prescribed with no instructions about when or how to stop using them. If one is likely to be needed for more than a few days, ask your child’s physician how to taper the dose or frequency.

If your child’s mood is erratic, take note. Some irritability and moodiness is a normal part of teenage life, but if you have any concern about your child’s state of mind, don’t be afraid to talk about it: seek input from your pediatrician, a behavioral health provider (many pediatrician’s offices now have these professionals on staff), or a school counselor. A positive mood can help with injury recovery.

If recovery seems to be taking a long time, ask the doctor about reasonable expectations. Recovery does take time, so it’s important to be aware that physical capabilities won’t return overnight, and that it may take considerable effort to get back into pre-injury shape. Be as positive as possible about the hard work your child is doing.

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