Did you know that some of the more common injuries we see in young children occur inside the home from normal everyday objects like doors, cabinets and drawers? Young children don’t recognize the dangers associated with these and love to play with them. Since children have naturally slow reactions, fingers or toes often get caught when they slam closed.

We call these crush injuries, and they can range from minor to severe. Gerad Montgomery, Lead Clinical Provider for our Fracture Clinic, says, “Many people don’t realize that crush injuries of the fingers and toes can result in cuts in the skin, nail bed injuries, broken bones and, in severe cases, partial amputation.”

Prompt evaluation by a pediatric specialist is important if any of the following signs are present:

• Swelling or deformity
• Skin that is split open around the nail
• Bleeding from around or under the nail
• Persistent pain or inability to move
• Concern for a serious injury or the feeling that your young child just needs to be seen

Accidents happen and we can’t protect our young and curious children from everything, but we have some suggestions to help avoid injuries:

• Teach young children early that doors and cabinets are not toys.
• Child-proof cabinet doors and drawers with latches.
• Be aware of doors and drawers in your child’s environment.

Bumps and bruises are a normal part of kids being kids! However, if your child has a crush injury or breaks a bone, you may call our Fracture Clinic directly at 469-515-7200. Learn more about our Fracture Clinic.