Soft tissue trauma in children

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor II Cao Thi Thanh - Pediatrician - Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Soft tissue injuries are injuries to soft tissues such as skin, tendons, muscles, ligaments, and joint capsules. In particular, sprains and strains are soft tissue injuries in children that are common because young children are hyperactive, or because children do not warm up properly when playing sports. Most soft tissue injuries are mild, but some can be quite serious. When injured in soft tissues, depending on the injured site, the degree of swelling and pain will be different.

When detecting an injury situation in a child, the child should first receive proper first aid to help relieve pain, reduce swelling, and keep the joints of the limbs fixed. Here are the steps to take and note:
For 48 hours after the injury, the child should be applied cold by placing an ice pack on the injured area and holding it for about 20 minutes. Cold compress is done every 2-3 hours. If the child has a lot of pain, it is necessary to use a splint or bandage or strap to immobilize the injured area. For 1 to 2 days after a soft tissue injury in children occurs, the injured part should be supported above the heart to help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Note that you should not massage the injured area because it will make the swelling and pain worse. Limit or do not allow children to exercise vigorously or practice sports because it also makes the injury worse.

After first aid treatment, the child needs proper care to recover quickly. Most soft tissue injuries are relatively mild and can be cared for at home. Here is how to care for soft tissue injuries for children:
Limit movement, exercise, rest a lot to reduce swelling and pain. Immobilize the limb with a splint or bandage to help reduce swelling with movement. When the child is resting or sleeping, the fixation can be removed to limit stiffness. If the child has only a minor injury, it is possible to allow the child to move and move gently to quickly recover. If your child has had a severe injury, limit movement as it can take up to four to six weeks for the injured area to fully heal. If after 4-5 days the soft tissue injury in children does not get better, the child has signs of fever and the injured area is swollen, painful, and red, parents and caregivers need to take the child to the appropriate muscles. health department to check. Children need to undergo a medical examination before they want to return to playing sports. Soft tissue injuries in children are very common. When injured, children need to be given first aid properly, then they need rest and care to be able to recover quickly.