How Are Sports Injuries Affecting Children & Teens?
Playing sports helps children and teenagers get physical activity while building teamwork skills and sportsmanship. But sports also puts children at risk for injury, especially if they don't wear appropriate safety gear or warm up properly. In 2001, 1.9 million children under age 15 went to the emergency room for sports-related injuries, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. However, many sports injuries can be prevented.
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Injuries by Sport
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Although children can be injured in any sport, some sports are more dangerous than others. According to data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2008 1,024,022 children under 18 suffered injuries that required medical attention while playing football. Soccer was the next most dangerous sport, causing 368,726 injuries. Cheerleading caused 75,307 injuries, while gymnastics caused 67,542 injuries. However, different sports are associated with different types of injury; for example, softball and baseball players are often injured by sliding into a base or being hit with a ball, while soccer players are more likely to have headaches from headers, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
Types of Injury
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Most sports injuries in children and teenagers are acute injuries, overuse injuries, and reinjuries, according to KidsHealth.org. Acute injuries are sudden injuries often caused by trauma, such as breaking a bone or spraining an ankle. Overuse injuries are a result of repetitive motions, such as throwing a baseball or swimming too much. Kids who spend a lot of time playing a sport are more likely to suffer overuse injuries. Children and teens who are injured and start playing before they're fully recovered often suffer reinjuries.
Preventing Sports Injuries
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Many sports injuries are preventable. Children and teens should have preseason physical examinations to rule out health problems that might make it dangerous to play a sport. In addition, ensure that playing surfaces are properly maintained and coaches are trained in using equipment properly. Athletes should also wear appropriate protective gear and warm up and cool down before and after a workout or game. Finally, provide water or sports drinks to prevent dehydration and ensure kids wear sunscreen outside.
Recovering From Injury
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The treatment for a sports injury depends on the type and severity of injury. In many cases, injuries can be immediately treated with the acronym "RICE": rest, ice, compression and elevation. However, children should see a doctor for a professional evaluation. After experiencing an injury, athletes should wait until they are fully healed to play, and then begin playing gradually. Although injuries can be scary, they shouldn't deter children from staying active once they are healthy, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
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