Published on Feb. 23, 2022

Playground Safety: How to Prevent Common Playground Injuries in Children

Play is an essential part of childhood. It helps support a child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development while encouraging creativity, exploration, and friendships. Playgrounds offer the perfect place for children to stay active, use their imagination, and enjoy time outdoors away from screens.

While playgrounds provide countless benefits, accidents can happen. Bone injuries are among the most common injuries children experience while playing.

Understanding Common Playground Injuries

Each year in the United States, emergency departments treat more than 200,000 children ages 14 and younger for playground-related injuries.

Some of the most common orthopedic injuries seen on playgrounds include:

  • Fractures
  • Dislocations
  • Elbow injuries
  • Wrist injuries
  • Forearm injuries
  • Leg injuries
  • Ankle injuries

While many playground injuries are minor, others may require immediate medical attention.

How to Tell if a Playground Injury May Be Serious

It can be difficult to determine whether an injury is minor or more serious, especially when there are no obvious signs, such as a bone protruding through the skin.

Signs of a More Serious Injury

Your child may have a more significant injury if they:

  • Have a limited range of motion
  • Cannot bear weight on the injured area
  • Experience significant pain
  • Have noticeable swelling

Signs of a Minor Injury

An injury may be less severe when a child has:

  • Minimal pain
  • Little to no swelling
  • Good range of motion
  • The ability to bear weight comfortably

Regardless of the severity, it is always a good idea to seek medical evaluation after an injury.

Why Pediatric Orthopedic Care Matters

Whether an injury appears major or minor, visiting the nearest emergency room or urgent care is always a smart choice. However, parents may want to consider choosing a center that specializes in children's orthopedics.

Children's bones heal differently than adult bones. Because children are constantly growing and developing, an injury can affect their growth if not treated properly.

The Importance of Specialized Care

If a playground injury requires advanced treatment or surgery, specialized pediatric orthopedic care is critical.

Going to anyone other than a pediatric orthopedic doctor can cause further damage to a child’s growing bones.

The pediatric orthopedic surgeons at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women's Hospital specialize in children's bones and growth, including the treatment of playground-related injuries.

Tips to Help Prevent Playground Injuries

The next time you visit a playground, these simple safety tips can help your child stay active while reducing the risk of injury.

Supervise Children During Play

Adult supervision is one of the most effective ways to help prevent playground injuries and identify potential hazards before accidents happen.

Check the Playground Surface

Look for playgrounds with shock-absorbing materials such as:

  • Wood chips
  • Mulch
  • Other protective surfacing materials

These surfaces can help reduce the severity of falls.

Inspect Playground Equipment

Before your child begins playing, check that:

  • Guardrails are secure and in good condition
  • Equipment appears stable and well maintained
  • There are no broken or damaged components

Properly maintained equipment helps prevent falls and other injuries.

Watch for Tripping Hazards

Keep an eye out for objects that could cause a child to trip, including:

  • Rocks
  • Tree stumps
  • Uneven surfaces
  • Exposed roots

Choose Age-Appropriate Equipment

Playground equipment is often designed with specific age groups in mind.

Make sure your child uses equipment that matches their age, size, and developmental abilities.

Keep Younger Children Closer to the Ground

Younger and smaller children should avoid equipment that places them more than one or two feet off the ground.

Playing on lower structures can reduce the risk of serious falls.

Practice Trampoline Safety

If your child uses a trampoline, ensure they are jumping with children of similar height and weight.

Large differences in size can increase the risk of collisions and injuries.

Teach Children How to Fall Safely

Falls are not always avoidable, but children can learn safer ways to react.

If a fall occurs, encourage children to:

  • Tuck in their arms and legs
  • Avoid extending their arms to brace themselves

This can help reduce the risk of fractures and other orthopedic injuries.

Keeping Kids Safe While They Play

Playgrounds are a wonderful place for children to learn, grow, and have fun. By taking a few precautions and staying aware of potential hazards, parents and caregivers can help create a safer play environment.

When injuries do happen, seeking prompt medical care can make a significant difference in a child’s recovery and long-term health.

Expert Pediatric Orthopedic Care

The Pediatric Orthopedic Center at MemorialCare Miller Children's & Women's Hospital provides specialized care for children with fractures, dislocations, sports injuries, and other orthopedic conditions.

For more information, visit the Pediatric Orthopedic Center at Miller Children's & Women's Hospital or call (877) 696-3622.