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Showing posts from November, 2025

How to Tell If Your Child Has a Broken Bone, Sprain, or Strain

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  Active children are naturally prone to bumps, falls, and tumbles. As a parent, it’s crucial to know whether your child’s injury is a broken bone (fracture), sprain, or strain . Understanding the differences helps you respond promptly, prevent complications, and ensure your child gets the appropriate care from a pediatric orthopedic specialist . Understanding Broken Bones, Sprains, and Strains Broken Bone (Fracture): A fracture occurs when a bone cracks or breaks, which can be partial or complete. Children’s bones are more flexible than adults’, so fractures may bend or partially break rather than fully snap. Sprain: A sprain involves stretching or tearing of ligaments, the tissues that connect bones at a joint. Sprains usually result from twisting or sudden impacts during play or sports. Strain: A strain occurs when muscles or tendons—tissues connecting muscles to bones—are overstretched or torn. Strains are commonly caused by overuse or sudden force. While symptoms may overla...

Little Steps Matter: Understanding Your Child’s Gait Development

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  Watching your child take their first steps is one of the most memorable milestones for any parent. Gait development—the way your child walks—is not only a sign of growing independence but also an important indicator of physical growth, balance, coordination, and musculoskeletal health. From wobbly first steps to a confident stride, every stage of walking reflects your child’s development and overall health. Understanding the normal gait in children, recognizing warning signs, and knowing when to consult a pediatric orthopedic specialist can make a significant difference in your child’s mobility and future well-being. What Is Normal Gait Development in Children? Gait refers to the pattern of movement during walking. In children, gait development is a gradual process that involves the coordination of muscles, joints, and balance systems. Each step is part of a cycle consisting of: Stance phase: The foot is on the ground, providing stability and support. Swing phase: The foot lift...