+Preventing Children's Sports Injuries

Preventing Sports Injuries in Your Young Athlete

Preventing children's sports injuries- Balls. Bats. Bruises. Sports injuries are common in young athletes. “It’s important to know what to look out for in which sport to protect against injury,” says Shelley Street, M.D., primary care sports medicine specialist, Children’s Hospital of Michigan. The following tips can help you and your children get into a game safely this spring. Soccer Wear shin guards for every practice and every game. Choose shoes with molded cleats or ribbed soles. Ask your child’s doctor and coach whether your child can safely “head” the ball. Heading correctly can prevent head and neck injury. Make sure to use equipment that lowers injury risk, such as synthetic waterproof balls, anchored goals, and padded goalposts.

Baseball/Softball
Pitchers should throw only six innings per week. Catchers should wear helmets, masks, and chest-and-neck protectors. Children who are batting need to wear a helmet. Safe equipment includes breakaway bases and softer balls.
Volleyball
Use knee pads, and wear lightweight shoes with strong support for ankles and arches. “Call” the ball to reduce collisions. To prevent overturning the net, never grab it or hang on to the supports. Any wires that hold up the net should be covered with soft material. Before playing, check outside courts for glass or other sharp objects.
When Injuries Happen

“No matter what the sport, some of the most common injuries are sprains, strains, or bruises,” says Dr. Street. The best treatment is easy to remember: “RICE.” Take these steps as soon as possible: Rest the injured area for at least 48 hours. Ice the injured area, 20 minutes at a time, with a cold pack or ice bag. Compress an injured ankle, knee, or wrist with an elastic wrap. Elevate the injured area above the level of the heart.

Shelley Street, M.D.

If your child has an obvious fracture; a dislocated joint; unrelieved swelling; or severe, continuing pain, contact your child’s doctor immediately.

For an appointment at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan, where specialists hold children’s hands and pediatric experts are always ready, call 313-745-KIDS (5437) or 888-DMC-2500.

Source : https://www.childrensdmc.org/?id=1300&sid=1

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