Hand Doctors Tips for Preventing Fall Injuries in Young Children

Falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries for children in the United States, with more than 2 million fall injuries requiring treatment in an emergency room every year. As one of Bloomfield Hill’s leading children’s hand and wrist doctors, Dr. Rehman treats hundreds of children every year who have been injured in a fall.

From the moment your child starts to walk, the world is full of new adventures and discoveries – in addition to potential hazards! Almost any activity, from climbing on furniture, ascending stairs, or playing on a playground can result in a tumble.  And, with many children now cooped up all day at home, due to distance learning online, many parents report that their kids are “bouncing off the walls” with excess physical activity.

And, unlike a disciplined school setting where students are under the constant watchful eye of teachers, it can be tough for parents to never take their  eyes off of children when they are trying to juggle work-from-home with their kid’s online learning.

Childhood injuries have always been an inevitable part of growing up. And the new climate of schooling from home doesn’t change this. But there are some more serious hazards that you can help your child avoid!

In this article Bloomfield Hills children’s hand doctor Dr. Rehman shares 4 things parents can do to prevent children’s fall injuries.

(1.) Prevent Children’s Fall Injuries from Windows

Check that all screens are properly installed. Do not allow children to jump, climb or play near open windows. Consider installing window guards to prevent unintentional window falls. (Include an emergency release device in case of fire)

(2.) Prevent Children’s Fall Injuries from Stairs

Install approved safety gates at the tops and bottoms of stairs – preferably that can be attached to the wall. Read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels when selecting your gate, as not all gates are approved for use at the top of stairs.

(3.) Prevent Children’s Fall Injuries from Furniture

Always secure TVs and furniture such as dressers to the wall using mounts, brackets, braces, anchors or wall straps in order to prevent tip-overs.

Unfortunately, child injury from tipping furniture is more common than people realize – and can result is serious injury or even be fatal for a child.

Also be certain to check regularly for any furniture recalls. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offers recall information on more than 15,000 kinds of consumer products used in and around the home. www.cpsc.gov/Recalls

(4.) Prevent Children’s Fall Injuries from Playgrounds & Sports

Choosing playgrounds with shock-absorbing surfaces such as rubber, synthetic turf, sand, pea gravel, wood chips or mulch will cushion the inevitable spills that children take. Always avoid playground equipment situated on asphalt, concrete, grass or dirt.

While older children can be taught “how to fall” in order to avoid wrist and hand injuries from FOOSH (“Falling Onto Outstretched Hand”), younger children may not be able to absorb this lesson. However, protective equipment, such as helmets and wrist guards can go a long way toward preventing injuries when children are learning to ride a bike or use a skateboard.

Top Bloomfield Hills Children’s Hand Doctor

Injuries from falling are unavoidable in small children, but there are things your child can do to decrease his or her risk.

If you or your child is suffering from an injury or pain in your fingers, wrist, elbow or arm, contact board certified Bloomfield Hills Children’s Hand Doctor Dr. Rehman for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation. Early detection, awareness, and a therapy & treatment plan is the only way to ensure there are no long term complications.

Doctor Rehman will assess your individual situation with care and compassion, and prescribe the treatments that are best for your child’s injury.

Bloomfield Hills Children’s Hand Doctor: 248.335.2638