To send dd to school

[Exhausted5487]

She fell yesterday on the ice very heavily onto her knee and was very upset. However was able to go into school and seemed fine moving her leg and walking.

This morning she's complaining of a lot of pain and feels she can't go to school. She's been sat on the sofa with it bent and can walk on it (but says walking hurts).

I feel it's likely badly bruised as she didn't twist it when she fell and there is no swelling.

I feel like I'd be overreacting to keep her off and that any Dr would think I was ridiculous getting it checked out but AIBU?

I'm wondering whether I should drop her dsis off and take her to the pharmacy for advice...but then there is no swelling and she can move it through the whole range of movement.

Sorry, no one to talk it through with and would appreciate some opinions!

If she enjoys school and doesn't normally want to be off I would believe her and let her stay off today.

Soft tissue damage and bruising can be incredibly painful and sore, and often can feel more sore a day or two after an injury.

Does your child normally want to go to school, and is normally happy to do so? Or do they often try to stay off for any reason?

Only you know of your child is trying to pull a sickie or not.

But my experience is that soft tissue injuries, even without physical signs, can be painful the next day and I don't think having a day of resting the leg would be over the top.

@findingmeno she's not really loving it at the moment which is why I'm slightly doubting how much it hurts. I feel awful writing that though!

I would take her to the Gp for and ask for an X-ray or simply go directly to A&E. Children’s bones are more prone to certain fractures and if she has a hairline fracture and you make her walk on it and move it (which she would be able to do) you could cause further damage. I had a hairline fracture at 9 and I could walk on it so it wasn’t initially suspected to be anything but a week later I was taken to A&E and that was what it was. In my opinion, better to be sure there’s nothing too major wrong, than to send her in and for there to be. Equally, a soft tissue injury can be so painful and being stuck in one position all day doesn’t sound like it would make it feel good.

@abraxan thank you, that's really helpful. It made sense to me that it could hurt more today but I didn't have anything to back it up (To myself in my inner dialogue about this )

I feel as though she's exaggerating it if I'm honest but I do believe it's sore- it was a nasty fall. Maybe letting her have today to rest it would be the wisest thing.

I think I suffer from growing up with parents who sent us to school unless we literally couldn't get out of bed...it means I feel soft if there's any doubt in my mind

I would call 111 I think. Possibly needs looking at but sounds not too serious. Don't feel bad. This is such a common dilemma and the mum guilt kicks in either way so you can't win!

Have you given her painkillers ?

Do you have a minor injuries unit-ours is brilliant and much less drama than a&e

give her some painkillers and keep her home if she's struggling.

If you're not certain say "oh well that throws out our weekend plans for the trampoline park" and see if she's magically better.

I'd get an x-ray.

I broke my foot at your daughter's age. There was no swelling so no one believed me and it was 2 days before I was seen by a medical professional. I had two fractures and a cast for 8 weeks. Shock horror, bones don't swell.

I think it depends on age too. Primary school age Id be more inclined to give the day off. Knees are always more painful.

Actually thinking about it my DD did this last year in YR8. She got lifts to school for a few days. We also discovered hydrocollloid plasters (from Superdrug) which were a game changer as they keep the scar moist so it doesn't crack and heels quicker. I wouldn't think it needs medical attention. Keep an eye and see if it's improving.

Personally I’d keep her off, but keep a subtle watch on her today - if she’s moving about freely when you’re not looking and only limping/wincing etc when you’re clearly looking then she’s fine. If she’s struggling when she doesn’t think you’re looking get her checked out!

I’d ring 111 too.

As a child I broke my arm from a fall, but my parents thought I was exaggerating the pain and only took me to get an x-ray 3 days later. It turned out to be a proper break and I was in a cast for a month

I’d give her some painkillers and speak to school, ask if she can stay in at break times.
If she’s walking on it and got full range of movement it’s best to keep it moving. I wouldn’t have my child miss a day of school for that.
Sometimes they want some sympathy so I had some elastic bandage for these situations !

Thank you everyone for your replies, it's really helpful to hear other people's thoughts.

I had decided to keep her off and keep an eye on her- until I saw her skipping when she didn't know I was there

So I've just dropped her off to school and asked the teachers to let her sit out of p.e. and break time if she complains of pain. She agreed that she would probably manage school if I spoke to the teacher so everyone was happy.

😮

One of my colleagues (healthcare) sent her ds in with meningitis so it can go both ways.