Where should an athlete go for a broken bone?

If you suspect an athlete has a broken bone, it’s important to get care quickly so that their bones can heal properly. But where should you go first – urgent care or the emergency department?

You should consider taking your child to the Emergency Department if any of the following are true:

• The bone has pierced through the skin (call 911 if the injury is severe or is bleeding heavily).

• The athlete feels numbness or tingling in the broken or injured area.

• The area appears crooked.

• You cannot control the athlete’s pain.

A visit to one of our eight Urgent Care Centers may be the best option for athletes if:

• The injury occurs in a smaller bone, such as in the hands, feet, wrist or ankle.

• There is bruising and swelling at the site of the injury.

• The athlete can’t move the area or press on it without pain.

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has specialists ready to treat fractures and other injuries football players may experience at practices and games.