Broken Bones - A problem at all ages

December 19, 2017, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Preventing broken bones becomes a serious concern as we age. Bones fail to ‘knit’ as well and healing takes much longer the older we are. Generally, it’s best to avoid any bone breaks at any age. Aside from being tremendously painful, they can leave individuals with life long damage, and open the door later in life to arthritis and other chronic problems.

Here are some steps you can take to prevent broken bones in children and youth:

• Get regular ‘healthy child’ check ups to spot health issues early.
• If your child plays sports then make sure they are playing at the appropriate level. Don’t have them competing with players who are far better than they are. Move them up as their skills improve.
• Training (strength, endurance and balance) are key to staying healthy.
• Wear the correct gear for the sport. H skating helmet is not a football or hockey or skiing helmet.
• Make certain all equipment fits well.
• Check your play / activity surface to make sure it is free of hazards.
• Stop playing if injured.
• Take car on trampolines. They are fun but most doctors agree they don’t belong in the backyard. Thousands of children every year break something while on a trampoline.

Older Adults can help prevent slip and fall accidents which are the major reason for breaks by following these steps:

• Wear well fitting, closed toe shoes appropriate to the season
• Wear well fitting slippers indoors
• Exercise regularly so that your sense of balance stays good
• Get rid of throw rugs
• Exercise caution when out on slippery surfaces
• Use the handrail on stairs and escalators
• Keep your lower body muscles strong
• Take care when taking medications that impact your blood pressure and balance

If you or your child fall and suspect you have broken a bone then you should seek attention immediately. If the fracture is open (a bone is sticking out), or you suspect a head, neck or back injury then do not move the individual. Call 911 and wait for help. If the suspected fracture is an arm or wrist then immobilize the area with a sling and head to the hospital for a check up.

Signs of fractures include:

• Bone sticking out or limbs having the ‘wrong’ shape
• Pain
• Bruising
• Swelling
• You heard it snap
• Numbness
• Inability to straighten the limb

When in doubt seek medical attention immediately.

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

It is important that you review your accident benefit file with one of our experienced personal injury / car accident lawyers to ensure that you obtain access to all your benefits which include, but are limited to, things like physiotherapy, income replacement benefits, vocational retraining and home modifications.