How parents can help prevent youth sports injuries
I could tell by the quiver in my daughter’s voice that she was frightened. She was 150 miles away. She had hurt her knee that day in the very last game of basketball camp. She was only 14, but she thought it was bad.
It was. She had torn her ACL.
I knew nothing about the surgery, rehabilitation, or the mental health aspect of our daughter’s injury. Most parents don’t. We also don’t know much about any of the other injuries young kids are at risk for — until the injury happens.
We know even less about what we can do to prevent them.
Did you know?
The number of youth sports injuries has skyrocketed to over 3.5 million every year
Every year, 1 in 3 kids will seek medical attention for a sports-related injury
More than 50% of these injuries are preventable
Some of us grew up in the “no pain – no gain” era of athletic activity. Others have grown up in a youth sports culture where kids injuries have become acceptable — the price for participating. But neither are correct, and neither do right by our kids.
Parents, coaches, and youth sports leagues all can learn more and do more to prevent injuries.
Where to begin?
Parents can get started on the Connecticut Children’s Health System website with the symptoms, common sports, and treatment for these most frequent sports injuries in kids:
Little League Shoulder
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
Little League Elbow
Spondylolysis or Spondylolisthesis
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
ACL Tear
Patellofemoral Syndrome
Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Ankle Sprain
Sever’s Disease (heel pain)
For 9 of these 10 injuries, REST is the most important treatment suggestion. (An ACL tear usually requires surgery.) Many of them are overuse injuries caused by the opposite of rest. Some are caused or aggravated by repetitive motion.
Overuse injuries outnumber acute injuries, and many are never diagnosed. Overuse injuries are common for kids who do too much of an activity while their bones and ligaments are growing.
How can parents help keep their kids safe?
The National Council of Youth Sports has created tip sheets for 30 sports and activities that include information about the signs, treatment, and prevention of youth sports injuries.
If a child you love plays sports, you can cheer them on AND help them stay in the game by stopping injuries before they start.
Know what athletic trainers do
March is National Athletic Training Month. Athletic trainers treat immediate injuries and help athletes return to sports. They also work to prevent injuries, but they can’t do it alone. Parents can make a difference. So can coaches — more on that next time.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. Statements are based on personal experience, credible news articles and medical resources. My intention is to raise awareness. Please learn more and discuss questions and concerns with your family's physician.
Photo by Debra Brewster on Unsplash