i was wondering if anyone knows how long he will be wearing the cast? he has no pain which im so great full.
6 to 8 weeks is typical for broken bones.
Little kids heal up faster (meaning closer to the 6 week mark - not shorter than 6 weeks).
So if he's 2 weeks into it, then he should have about 4 more weeks to go.
See what the doctors say at xray time but he's probably got another month or so to go.
the more your son walks on the cast? The longer he will be in it. Keep him off of it.
I know he's three. You have to parent him and not make excuses for him. Tell him that if he continues to walk around on it, he will be in it longer. If he listens to the doctor, he will be off of it faster.
M.,
Welcome to mamapedia.
If your son is in a full leg cast? He should NOT be walking on it. Especially at the age of 3. He's bones are forming and developing.
Since he's young and it's a fracture? He could be out of the cast by 4 weeks. However, if he's walking on it? It will most likely be longer.
You REALLY need to talk with the doctor and LISTEN to the doctor's orders on how your son should getting around on that leg.
Good luck!
Do what the Dr said and keep him from walking. You do know as hard as it might be to keep him still, IF you don't follow the Dr orders, you could be damaging your child's leg forever.
You are the parent!!
Most broken bones with casts are up to 6 weeks or so.
A fracture is the same thing as a broken bone.
Do whatever you can to keep him from walking. So sorry, but it's your job above all else. Do not let him walk.
When my daughter was young her leg break only took three weeks in a cast and I used a small umbrella stroller to get her around.
If you are going back in two weeks for more xrays it might be healed by then...kids heal up so fast...or they could be checking to make sure it is staying in the right place because the break was near a growth plate...
A fracture is a break same thing.
He cannot walk on it unless he was put in a walking cast. They will not give little ones crutches...so they have to pretty much stay where you put them if they are not suppose to bear weight.
If he is itchy, we had great luck with an ice pack wrapped up well in a towel (so the cast didn't get wet) but the cold through the cast helped with itching.
Do not let him stick anything into the cast!! OR Do not let the cast get wet!! If anything gets stuck in the cast OR it gets wet it will need to be replaced immediately like middle of the night trip to the ER. Because an object or water will begin to eat away at the skin and cause an infection with in a hour or two. So if the doctor's office isn't open you will need to find out where to take him after hours should something like that happen. (Our doctor showed us pictures of objects and water damage to the skin to show how important it is to not let that happen).
I am so sorry you are out of the country and dealing with a language issue with the doctor. The internet is your friend...you can look up information at mayo clinic or webmd...just make sure they are reputable sites. And don't be afraid to keep calling the doctor with questions or make a list to take with you next time you visit.
Good luck!
ETA: I agree with Gidget, break and fracture mean the same thing, I was thinking more if it is hairline, compound fracture, etc.
After reading other responses, I agree...do not let him walk because of the growth plates!!!!!! Please, please, please contact your physician with specific questions.
Can he be moved (go to movies, visit others?), do you have a wheel chair for him so you can take him out?, can you arrange visitors to come play board games with him?coloring pages, new crayons, markers, etc?
I would think the nurses might also have some suggestions....
Good luck!
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Are you visiting or permanently living in Spain?
If you are visiting I would call my USA pediatrician and consult with him/her. Be ready to send info.
If you are in Spain did your child's regular doctor set the bone? If not I would be consulting with your child's regular doctor. If so, write down all the questions you have and then call the doctors office to get answers.
My experience is that children heal about 2 weeks faster then adults, but it depends on the type of break and health of child.
Was this a break or fracture? Why can't your child walk in the cast? Some lower leg fractures require walking to heal.
It is always best to consult with your doctor or trained physician.
Listen to the doctor. If he said no walking then no walking. I had my tibia bone surgical broken to fix a knee issue. I was in a full leg immobilizer for 6 weeks and could bear as much weight as I could tolerate. I was in so much pain initially and then my quadriceps muscle shut down so I used crutches and then a cane for about 6 months total. Kids are amazingly resilient. I am so glad your son is not in pain.
Doctors in Spain know just as much as doctors in the USA. Why don't you trust the doctor? If you have difficulty understanding what the doctor says, you can ask for someone to translate for you. If he speaks English and you have difficulty understanding him, tell him so that he can slow down or repeat what he's said.
The European health care is said to be better than ours. He will be OK if you keep him off his foot.
