While playing sports has many physical, mental, and social benefits for children, today’s
Among young athletes, football is one of the most popular fall sports played. In 2007, more than 900,000 young athletes under the age of 18 were treated in an emergency room, doctor’s office and walk-in clinics for injuries related to football.
Knee injuries are the most common, especially ACL and PCL. Knee injuries can adversely affect a player’s long-term involvement in football. Shoulder injuries are the second most common traumatic injury in football. The labrum (cartilage bumper surrounding the socket part of the shoulder) is particularly susceptible to injury.
A concussion is a change in mental state due to a traumatic impact (such as being tackled). Not everyone who has a concussion will lose consciousness. Some symptoms are: headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of balance, drowsiness, numbness/tingling, difficulty concentrating, and blurry vision.
Low-back pain is a very common overuse injury. Muscle soreness from over activity is one of the most common causes of low back pain. Muscles and ligament fibers can be overstretched or injured.
Low-back pain is a very common overuse injury. Muscle soreness from over activity is one of the most common causes of low back pain. Muscles and ligament fibers can be overstretched or injured.
Shoulder and elbow injuries in young baseball players is on the rise. Thousands of young base-ball players are seen every year with shoulder and/or elbow pain caused by pitchers throwing too much.
If a young athlete is throwing too hard, too much, or too early, a serious elbow or shoulder injury may occur. If a young athlete complains of elbow or shoulder pain the day after throwing, or movement of the elbow or shoulder is painful or restricted, consult a physician immediately.
Overuse injuries– especially those related to the elbow and shoulder– are preventable! Some useful tips to keep your child in the game include:
Soccer is one of the world’s most popular sports and is growing very rapidly in the US. Soccer provides young athletes with a good aerobic exercise, and helps players develop balance, agility, and coordination.
Injuries to the lower extremities are among the most common in young athletes
Sprains or strains to the lower extremities are the most com-mon injuries to soccer players. Cartilage tears and ACL injuries to the knee are common and sometimes require surgery. Other lower extremity injuries include fractures and contusions.
Wrist sprains, fractures and shoulder dislocations injuries to the upper extremities usually occur from falling on an outstretched arm or player-to-player contact.
Shin splints, knee and ankle pain are some of the more common overuse injuries to young soccer players. Stress fractures occur when the bone fractures slightly from overuse.
These types of injuries can include cuts, bruises, fractures, sprains and concussions.
