What to do when baby gets swell on knee after falling on leg

Question

Accepted Answer

If your baby has a swelling on the knee after a fall, it’s important to assess the situation carefully and take steps to ensure their comfort and safety:

Steps to Follow:

1. Check for Signs of Injury:

Look for any bruising, redness, or warmth around the swollen area.

Check if the baby is able to move the leg or if they seem to be in significant pain or discomfort.

Gently press the swollen area to see if it causes pain or if the swelling is soft or hard.

2. Apply Cold Compress:

To reduce swelling, you can apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth to the swollen knee for 10–15 minutes. This helps in reducing inflammation and numbing the pain.

Do not apply ice directly to the skin as it can cause frostbite.

3. Elevate the Leg:

If your baby is comfortable, try to elevate their leg slightly to reduce swelling. You can place a pillow or rolled towel under the knee while they rest.

4. Pain Relief:

If your baby seems to be in pain, you can consult your pediatrician about giving an appropriate dose of infant pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol), based on their age and weight.

5. Monitor for Complications:

Keep an eye on the swelling for a few hours. If the swelling increases or if the baby shows signs of severe pain, limping, or inability to move the leg, it may indicate a more serious injury, such as a fracture.

When to Consult a Doctor:

If there’s severe swelling, bruising, or pain, or if your baby is unable to move their knee or leg, it’s important to seek medical attention.

If the swelling doesn’t reduce within a day or if it worsens, consult the pediatrician for further evaluation to rule out fractures, ligament injuries, or other issues.

In general, minor swelling and bruising from a fall will improve with time, but it's always best to monitor and seek advice from a doctor if you're unsure about the severity.