When a child gets injured, determining the extent of their pain can be challenging for parents. Children, especially younger ones, may not always have the vocabulary to explain how they feel. Understanding the signs and asking the right questions can help you better assess their pain and ensure they receive the care they need.
Heather Kennedy, PAC, at Refine Medical in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, offers the following tips for gauging your child’s pain after an injury.
One of the most effective ways to gauge your child’s pain is by paying attention to their behavior. A child in pain might act differently than usual. They could become more irritable, clingy, or withdrawn. Some children will cry or refuse to move the injured area, while others may try to tough it out, hiding their discomfort.
Keep an eye out for these subtle signs. Trust your instincts; if your child seems "off," they probably are.
Depending on your child’s age, you’ll need to tailor your questions to their level of understanding. For younger children, asking them to point to where it hurts can be helpful. Simple questions like, "Does it hurt a little or a lot?" can give you a sense of the severity.
For older children, you might ask them to describe the pain. Is it sharp, dull, or throbbing? Sometimes, comparing the pain to familiar sensations — like a pinch or a bruise — can help them articulate what they’re feeling.
Nonverbal cues can reveal a lot about your child’s pain level. Watch for facial expressions like grimacing, furrowed brows, or clenched jaws. Restlessness, trouble sleeping, or a change in appetite might also signal discomfort.
Additionally, be on the lookout for protective movements — if your child avoids using a particular limb or flinches when touched, it could indicate they’re in pain.
Using a simple pain scale can make it easier for your child to communicate how much they’re hurting. For young children, a scale with faces ranging from smiling to crying can be an effective tool. Ask them to point to the face that matches how they feel.
Older children may be able to use a numerical scale, rating their pain from 1 to 10. While these scales aren’t perfect, they can give you a better idea of how much pain your child is experiencing.
If you’re ever unsure about the severity of your child’s pain, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Call our office or schedule an appointment online or visit urgent care if the injury seems severe, if your child’s behavior changes dramatically, or if their pain doesn’t improve after a day or two.
Trusting your gut and seeking medical advice when needed is critical to your child’s recovery.