More than 2.6 million children, ages 19 and younger, visit the emergency department annually for recreation and sports-related injuries. Youth are still growing and developing, which puts them at a greater risk than adults for sports-related injuries
Children who also play contact sports such as soccer, lacrosse or football are at an even greater risk of injury. To help them avoid injury, we recommend you and the young person in your life follow these 10 rules:
Wear protective gear.
Pads, helmets, mouthguards and nonshattering eyeglasses should be worn.
2. Play by the rules.
Prohibit dangerous practices, such as sliding headfirst in baseball.
3. Create a safe playing field.
Make sure the field or court is free of debris, holes and other hazards.
4. Avoid overplaying.
Take frequent breaks during strenuous sports to prevent overuse injuries, like muscle tears and fractures. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also recommends taking a two-month break from a specific sport every year.
5. Consider other health conditions.
Get a preseason physical to rule out any pre-existing conditions that may limit a child’s ability to participate in sports.
6. Warm up and tone up.
Stretch before and after every game to keep muscles and tendons flexible. Also follow a conditioning program to strengthen muscles, which are less likely to be injured.
7. Avoid hot weather.
Drink fluids before, during and after a game outdoors to stay hydrated. The AAP also recommends that kids and teens take a water break every 20 minutes.
8. Group kids by size.
Encourage the coach to group players by size and skill level to decrease the risk of injury.
9. Recognize the signs of an injury.
Quick treatment of an injury can prevent it from becoming more severe. Seek prompt medical treatment if any swelling, severe pain or visibly broken bones occur.
10. Don’t return to play too early.
If an acute or overuse injury occurs, make sure your young athlete is completely free of symptoms and has a full range of motion before returning to play. It’s recommended that your health care provider clear a child under your care before returning to play.
Young Athletes and Contact Sports… What if?
If your child experiences a sports-related injury, our team of orthopedic specialists are here to help them get back in the game safely. You can find a list of MOSH orthopedic physicians here. And if an injury requires immediate attention, you can access MOSH top-tier orthopedic care without a referral and without an appointment by visiting one of our convenient Ortho Walk-In Clinics.
Here are some additional information resources to help ensure a healthy, happy and active summer for youth under your care: