General orthopedic pediatric conditions in children, such as scoliosis, hip dysplasia, or Sever's disease, can lead to serious long-term complications if left untreated. Kids are still growing and developing, making early intervention crucial for maximizing their growth potential.
At Kimball Health Services, our providers offer specialized and expert care for orthopedic conditions affecting children. Our team creates a welcoming and child-friendly environment to put your young ones at ease during treatment.
General orthopedic pediatric conditions can cause pain and discomfort in children, affecting their growth, overall well-being, and participation in activities.
These conditions can affect bone development or alignment since a major growth spurt occurs at puberty. It usually happens for girls between 8 and 13 years of age and 10 to 15 years for boys.
Identifying and addressing orthopedic issues early on ensures that your child achieves optimal musculoskeletal health and leads an active life.
Various general orthopedic pediatric conditions can affect children.
Children and teenagers are more prone to fractures due to falls, sports injuries, or accidents. Fractures in the growth plate, the growing tissue area near the ends of the long bones, are of particular concern.
A fracture can occur due to trauma and often needs immediate treatment as it may affect bone growth.
Symptoms of a growth plate fracture usually include pain and tenderness in response to pressure on the growth plate, inability to move, and swelling at the end of the affected bone.
Treatment usually involves a cast or a splint. In cases where the fracture crosses the growth plate or affects the joint, surgery may be necessary to realign growth plates.
Children and teenagers can sprain their ligaments or strain their muscles or tendons during physical activities. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, bruising, muscle spasms, and difficulty moving the affected area.
These conditions can usually be managed by RICE treatment involving rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the affected part and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Hip dysplasia is a condition that occurs when the hip joint does not fit properly, leading to instability or dislocation of the hip. It is often present at birth. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent long-term complications, such as arthritis and gait abnormalities.
Hip dysplasia in babies can be diagnosed through physical examination and imaging tests when they are younger than 6 months. Treatments for hip dysplasia may involve braces or surgery to relieve pain and protect the hip joint.
Sever's disease, also called calcaneal apophysitis, refers to heel pain and inflammation of the tendons, bone, and cartilage. It usually occurs in physically active children during their growth spurt.
Treatment for Sever's disease focuses on relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Our healthcare provider may recommend RICE, immobilization, supportive shoes with cushioned heels, pain medications, and stretching exercises for this condition.
Scoliosis refers to the sideways curvature of the spine that typically develops during adolescence, especially during growth spurts. In severe cases, scoliosis can reduce the amount of space within the chest, preventing the lungs from functioning properly.
Symptoms may include uneven shoulders, a prominent shoulder blade, one side of the rib cage jutting out, and an uneven waist. Depending on the severity of the curvature, treatment may involve bracing or surgery to correct the spinal deformity.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a common type of arthritis in children and adolescents under the age of 16. Symptoms of JIA may include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, limited range of motion, difficulty walking, fatigue, and fever.
JIA can lead to serious complications, such as growth problems, joint damage, and eye inflammation, if left untreated. Treatment aims to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and preserve joint function. It may involve nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, physical therapy, and surgery.
Osgood-Schlatter disease occurs during growth spurts, when bones, muscles, tendons, and other structures change rapidly. It is characterized by inflammation of the area just below the knee where the patellar tendon attaches to the shinbone. It is typically seen in adolescents involved in activities such as running and jumping.
Osgood-Schlatter disease can be treated with measures such as rest, ice, over-the-counter medication, and stretching and strengthening exercises.
Untreated orthopedic conditions in children and teenagers can result in functional limitations that impact their ability to participate in daily activities, sports, or recreational pursuits. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to ensure optimal growth and development.
Seek medical attention if you notice the following symptoms in your young ones:
At Kimball Health Services, our team ensures advanced and compassionate treatment for our young patients without compromising their comfort. We strive to make visits a positive and stress-free experience for our young patients and their families.
As one of the top critical access hospitals in the nation, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.
In case of an emergency, call 911 or walk into our emergency department anytime. For appointments, call us at 308-235-1966 or fill out our online form. We're here for you whenever you need us.
