Why Choose to go to a Pediatric Orthopedist

27 Oct 2017 Pediatric Orthopaedics , ,

As a parent, the chances are high that your children may hurt themselves while playing sports, or from a fall, at some point. It’s not fun to think about, but broken bones, sprains, or tendon injuries can happen at any time. Every fracture has the potential to cause problems for your child’s future growth, if not properly cared for. That’s why choosing the right provider in the event of a musculoskeletal injury is so important.

A pediatric orthopedist is trained to look for cues that can help provide information about the location and extent of an injury, that a child may not be capable of sharing. This specialty provides advanced training to address the unique needs and surgical care necessary to treat pediatric patients, taking into consideration the growth and development of the child. Experience treating children’s injuries and congenital conditions prepares a pediatric orthopedist with the background to recognize conditions and save valuable time when determining a diagnosis.

Specialized training in pediatric orthopedics includes learning how to put a child at ease, and not to appear frightening in an otherwise scary situation. Many diagnostic tests require the patient to cooperate, including holding still, not talking, and sometimes drinking a contrast liquid. Understanding that a child is not a miniature adult can make a difference in getting a prompt, accurate diagnosis, so that the right treatment plan can be implemented as quickly as possible.

In addition to injuries, a pediatric orthopedist may treat congenital disorders such as clubfoot, gait problems caused by differing leg lengths, scoliosis, spina bifida, and other disorders of the skeletal system.

If your child has an injury that you suspect may be a fracture, contact a pediatric orthopedist for the best possible care. Tucson Orthopedics in southern Arizona features Ortho Fast Track to serve patients with broken bones within a few days of the injury. Same day appointments are available with a physician referral. Our conveniently located facilities have the latest in diagnostic equipment to save valuable time. Trust Tucson Orthopedics to provide the best care for your child. Call with your questions or to schedule an appointment.

Growing Pains – Are They Real?

26 Sep 2016 Brian Nielsen, Doctors , ,

When it’s nice outside, kids like to run, jump, ride bikes – the normal, every day summer activities. Many also play sports such as soccer, baseball, and football.  So when your child says their legs hurt it may not be a surprise, but as parents, when should we become concerned?  Is it just “growing pains”?

Well, guess what? Growing pains is actually a real condition. Growing pains are achy, throbbing muscles in the legs that affect some 25-40% of children between the ages of 3 to 5 and 8 to 12, but researchers do not know exactly what causes growing pains.

Your child might be experiencing growing pains if muscles in their thighs, calves, or behind the knee hurt in the late afternoon or evening. The pain might even get bad enough to wake them up.  If your child has had a full day of activity, there is a greater chance of having muscle pains or growing pains at night. Growing pains are typically felt in both legs and subside by morning.

How can we treat growing pains? 

The achiness and pain should go away with ibuprofen and gentle massage or heat. You may need to call a doctor if the pain does not subside, or if the muscles seem overly tender. If your child refuses to let you touch the area, this could be a concern.  Other signs to watch for are redness, or heat, or swelling especially in the joints, as growing pains do not affect the joints.

If you are concerned about the pain and symptoms your child is experiencing, please don’t hesitate to call the offices of Tucson Orthopaedic Institute for an appointment at (520) 327-KIDS (5437).

We have two board-certified and fellowship-trained pediatric orthopedic surgeons – Dr. Luis Piedrahita, MDand Dr. Brian Nielson, MD – on staff ready to serve your family’s needs.  They see patients at two locations – East or Northwest Tucson.

For more information on what we can do for you check out our pediatric orthopedic section on our website.

Dr. Brian Nielson, MD

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