We all want to get our kids medical care when they are sick or injured, but at the same time, we don’t want to be hit with excessive medical bills for issues that we probably could have managed on our own. Knowing when to take your child in for a checkup and when to first try to treat the problem at home is a common concern for many parents, and it’s not always easy to follow the right path. But what are some of the signs that suggest it’s a good idea to bring your child in for a doctor’s visit? In today’s blog, we explain when it’s a good idea to have your child’s foot injury examined by a doctor.
When To See A Doctor For A Child’s Foot Injury?
As you can imagine, there is no one-size-fits all answer to this question, and if you are at all concerned that your child should see a doctor, then that’s what you should do. A doctor who can view their foot and ankle in person will be able to provide much better advice than this general purpose blog, so never be ashamed to err on the side of caution. With that said, if your child is dealing with any of these issues, it may be wise to book that appointment or head to urgent care:
1. Severe Pain – If pain is intense or severe, it’s best to have it looked at by a physician. Increased pain and discomfort is typically tied to a more significant issue that warrants the attention of a trained professional.
2. Stagnant Or Worsening Pain – Most foot injuries are most painful in the moments and hours that follow the injury. After a few hours or days, discomfort levels tend to improve a bit. However, if your child’s discomfort has remained the same for 24-48 hours or it has worsened, it’s time to set up an appointment with a foot and ankle doctor.
3. Cold/Pale Toes – Cold toes or pale/discolored toes after an injury are a sign that your child’s feet warrant attention from a professional. There could be an issue with the blood supply to the feet that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Some mild discoloration may be expected if they suffer an injury that could cause some normal bruising, be severe discoloration, paleness or major changes in toe temperature should be examined by a doctor.
4. Major Difficulty Bearing Weight – If your child is struggling to bear weight or walk without issue because of their injury, take them in to figure out what’s going on in their foot. Walking may be a little uncomfortable after a foot injury, but if walking is painful or very difficult, it’s a sign the injury warrants further attention.
5. Wound Concerns – Finally, if your child suffered a significant wound that is unlikely to close on its own, or there is an object embedded in their foot that you cannot safely remove on your own, let a doctor intervene. A couple of stitches and the right tools to remove a splinter or similar object can make recovery much easier. If you don’t believe the wound will close on its own, or you want help removing an embedded object, head to urgent care.
Remember, if you are at all wondering whether or not to have your kid examined by a doctor, head to the clinic. At the end of the day, even if they could have recovered just fine at home, at least you’ll leave the office with peace of mind.
