Your child has a buckle fracture. This is a break to the distal radius and/or ulna (forearm just before the wrist). This type of fracture occurs in children.
Healing
It takes approximately 3-4 weeks for your bone to heal and it can be achy for another few weeks following this.
Pain and Swelling
Your child can take their normal pain killers if they are in pain. Elevate the arm to reduce swelling for the first few days.
Splint
Your child may have been given a splint. You can take the splint off to wash the wrist and hand but it should be kept on day and night for 3 weeks.
Your child may use the arm as they feel comfortable. It is important to keep the elbow moving to prevent stiffness.
Cold Packs
A cold pack (ice pack or frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel) can provide short-term pain relief if needed. Apply this to the sore area for up to 15 minutes, every few hours. The ice must never be in direct contact with the skin.
Rest and Elevation
Try to encourage your child to rest the arm for the first 24-72 hours to allow the early stage of healing to begin. Raise the wrist above the level of your heart with a sling if it is throbbing.
Follow up
A follow up appointment is not normally needed for this injury. Please contact the Emergency Department, your GP or NHS 111, if after 6 weeks your child still has significant pain or swelling.
Caring for your injury: Week by week
0-3 weeks
- Wear the splint
- Use the sling for the first couple of days if the arm is painful
3-4 weeks
- Remove the splint
- The fracture is healed and you can begin to resume normal activity
- Start the exercises described below if there is any stiffness on removing the splint
- Carry out day to day activities
- Do not carry out heavy tasks, heavy lifting or sport, as may cause some initial discomfort.
- Avoid contact sports until after 4 weeks
6 weeks
- If your child is still experiencing significant pain and swelling then please contact the Emergency Department, your GP or NHS 111 for advice.
Exercises
Once the splint is removed, if your child has any residual stiffness, please follow the exercises below. Little and often is best. Encourage play with the hand for example, playdough or lego to re-strengthen the muscles in the wrist and hand and regain movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m concerned about my child’s symptoms and/or they are struggling to regain movement.
Please contact the Emergency Department, your GP or NHS 111
My child is struggling with the splint. What do I do?
Please contact the Emergency Department
Should my child go to school?
Your child can attend school as normal once their pain has settled