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Injuries

Injuries

Keeping your child active is a good way to keep them healthy. But physical activity, whether on the playground or the sports field, increases their risk of injury. At All Ages Pediatrics PC in Ottumwa, Iowa, expert pediatrician Eric Dodson, DO, specializes in care for injuries, including sports injuries. Call the office or book an appointment online today. Same-day appointments are available.

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Injuries Q & A

What are common pediatric injuries?

Though you may do your best, kids are curious, active, and prone to bumps, scrapes, and bruises. Common pediatric injuries include:

  • Sprains and strains
  • Lacerations
  • Bruises
  • Fractures
  • Dislocations
  • Burns
  • Head injuries
  • Eye injuries
  • Foreign object lodged in the ear or nostril
  • Swallowing of a foreign object

Injuries may occur from an accidental fall while running or riding a bike. Children and teens who play sports are also at risk of developing sports injuries.

When do children need medical attention for injuries?

You may be able to clean, bandage, and ice minor scrapes and bumps with at-home care. But more serious injuries benefit from a visit to All Ages Pediatrics PC.

Dr. Dodson recommends you schedule an appointment for your child if they have a deep laceration, sports injury, head injury, or an injury that causes severe pain or immobility.

You should schedule a visit if your child continues to experience pain or discomfort after a few days of at-home care. Also come in if your child develops other symptoms, such as a fever, nausea, or vomiting, which may be signs of an infection.

What happens during an appointment for injuries?

The details of your child’s appointment for their injury depends on your child’s age, the type of injury they have, and the severity of their symptoms.

During your visit to All Ages Pediatrics PC, Dr. Dodson does his best to make you and your child as comfortable as possible. Dr. Dodson asks about the nature of the injury, including how it happened and the treatments you provided at home.

He then examines the area of the injury and may request diagnostic tests, such as blood work to rule out an infection or an X-ray to rule out a fracture.

How are injuries treated?

Once Dr. Dodson fully understands the nature of your child’s injury, he provides the most appropriate treatment. These treatments may include stitching your child’s laceration or stabilizing a broken bone to support healing.

If needed, Dr. Dodson can refer you to an orthopedic physician to set a complex bone fracture or physical therapy to support recovery following a sports injury.

You may also need to bring your child back to the office for follow-up visits to monitor healing.

For the management of your child’s unexpected injuries, call All Ages Pediatrics PC or book an appointment online today.

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