In most cases, children's bones are still growing, especially the long bones of their arms and legs. Damage to the ends of these bones should be looked at carefully because of the risk of stunting the bone's growth. Bones in some senior citizens become dangerously thin with age and break easily. Also, many women after menopause and some elderly men suffer from osteoporosis, a condition which weakens the bones. Sometimes, broken bones may cause future deformities and limited movement if not properly cared for.
Broken bones can also be very painful.
Prevention Make sure you and your child wear the right protective gear for each activity. Items to wear might include a helmet, shoulder, knee and wrist pads, and a mouth guard. Check that everyone in the car is wearing a seat belt. Don't start the engine until everyone has buckled up. The Self-Care Tips below list things you can do when a bone has been broken before getting medical care.