As youth participation in sports continues to increase, so has the number of sports-related injuries. The obligation of injury prevention is the responsibility of the parents and the coaches. If the proper caution is taken, a significant number of injuries can be prevented each season.
The number of sports injuries occurring in adolescents is on the rise according to multiple expert sources, including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This is due in part to the increasing pressures placed on young athletes to perform at a high level, as well as individuals focusing on one sport or activity rather than diversifying their play, explain the physicians at OrthoTexas.
One of the key facts to be aware of with regard to adolescent sports injuries, the physicians at OrthoTexas note, is that the rate and severity of damage typically increases with age. Therefore, while a grade school soccer player may suffer a minor muscle strain that requires rest to repair, by high school that same young athlete could experience a torn ACL — a ligament in the knee — that demands surgical intervention, they explain. Contact and high-impact sports, such as football, hockey, soccer, gymnastics and cheerleading, tend to result in a greater number of injuries; however, they add, any activity can present some risk.
According to OrthoTexas, other common adolescent sports injuries include fractures, ligament and muscle strains, and tears. Injuries to growth plates, the soft cartilage located at the end of bones that will harden with maturity, can be particularly worrisome, the practice indicates. As a result, OrthoTexas says that an orthopedic specialist should address all sports injuries before the child returns to play.
However, if injuries do occur, it is important to seek medical attention from a physician that specializes in sports medicine and never allows a young athlete to “work through the pain”. If left untreated, injuries can cause permanent damage and may interfere with proper physical growth.
Young athletes should have a physical exam prior to joining a new sport to ensure readiness to play. Following the physical, the next step to preventing injuries is to purchase any necessary and required protective gear. Care should be taken to make certain that it fits the athlete properly.
Starting practices and games with a proper warm-up is necessary and must become a part of their routine throughout their athletic career. Once the muscles are warm, stretching can commence. If not performed correctly, stretches can cause injury. Care should be taken to avoid “bouncing” during a stretch, hyper-extending joints, straining the neck and back, and deep knee bends. All stretches should be done slowly and carefully with the body relaxed. To be effective, each stretch should be held for 15-30 seconds.
Additionally, it’s important that the athlete has a proper night’s sleep, is sufficiently hydrated and is not overworked or fatigued. Also, remember to always have adult supervision at all practices and games. That adult should be qualified, trained and educated in the sport.
These are some of the many ways to keep your young athlete on the field and free from injury. Remember, keep the best interest of your young athlete in mind, and play safe!
OrthoTexas has physicians specialized in Sports Medicine that see patients of all ages and activity levels.
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