Sports participation is a fantastic way for your child to learn about teamwork, the rewards of achievement, and have some fun, too. Like the professionals they emulate, though, your child carries a risk of injury anytime they play. About one-third of childhood injuries are attributed to sports activities, adding more than 3.5 million cases annually.
Also, like their professional heroes, they can speed healing and get back in the game more quickly with treatment from sports medicine specialists, like the team at Bahri Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Clinic in Jacksonville and St. Augustine.
As a parent, it’s often up to you to recognize the signs and symptoms of sports injuries, as not every child can clearly express their discomfort or pain. Fortunately, some injuries are common among children playing sports, so you can be on the lookout for the issues your child is most likely to encounter.
Despite the frequency of injury among children playing sports, many of these are simple problems that respond well to the RICE protocol of home care -- rest, ice (cold packs), compression, and elevation. If symptoms don’t resolve quickly, though, seek medical attention to rule out more serious issues. Some common conditions may present symptoms that require urgent care.
Twisted ankles are not only common to virtually any sport; a child’s tendency to run from place to place can raise their risk. Any twisting motion or change of direction can overstretch or tear the ligaments that stabilize the ankle, resulting in pain, swelling, and tenderness. Most sprains are minor, but some may require orthopedic care.
The anterior cruciate ligament in the knee is a common injury resulting from landing after a jump, twisting of the knee, or impact on the outside of the joint. Movement of the joint will be limited after an ACL injury, along with pain and swelling.
Any bump to the head or whipping motion of the skull can cause a concussion. Watch for symptoms like headache, confusion, dizziness, or blurred vision. Even though rest is the most common treatment for concussion, your child should have any head injury evaluated medically.
Usually an early-season injury, shin splints tend to happen when you run on hard surfaces. This typically happens either due to a lack of conditioning or overtraining. Shin splints create a persistent aching pain along the front of the lower leg.
Little league elbow and little league shoulder are two repetitive strain injuries that often affect children who play baseball or sports requiring lots of throwing or other repetitive motion. Tennis players can develop both conditions, while swimmers tend to have more shoulder issues.
Anytime you suspect your child has a sports injury, even if they aren’t complaining, play it safe by contacting Bahri Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Clinic. You can reach the nearest office by phone or online, so schedule your child’s examination today.
