Spring is here, and with it comes the excitement of baseball games, soccer matches, and outdoor adventures. While these activities are great for keeping kids active and healthy, they also bring a higher risk of injuries. By taking preventive measures, recognizing when to seek medical attention, and ensuring a safe return to sports after a break, you can help your child enjoy the season safely.
Preventing Common Sports Injuries
Prioritize Pre-Season Physicals
Before your child starts playing, schedule a sports physical, says Jared Cloud, D.O., a physician on the medical staff at Texas Health Arlington Memorial, and a family and sports medicine physician with Sideline Orthopedics & Sports, a Texas Health Physicians Group practice.
“We recommend getting a sports physical at least six weeks out from the start of your child’s sport, which typically means the start of practices for that sport,” Cloud says. “That gives us plenty of time to get your child in to see a specialist and start-up or finish-up some sports rehabilitation, if needed based on the exam. It also gives the healthcare providers the opportunity to really fine-tune and help you prepare your child for their sport.”
Many health care providers offer affordable options for these checkups.
Use Proper Equipment
Ensure your child has well-fitting gear that meets safety standards. For example, helmets for baseball or shin guards for soccer are essential. Ill-fitting or outdated equipment can increase injury risks.
Warm Up and Cool Down
Encourage your child to stretch and warm up before games or practice to reduce the risk of strains and sprains. Cooling down afterward helps prevent stiffness and aids recovery.
Avoid Overuse Injuries
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most young athletes experience overuse injuries rather than traumatic injuries, with the most common being sprains (injuries to ligaments), strains (injuries to muscles) and stress fractures (injuries to bones).
“The repetitive nature of performing the same sport-specific skills places tremendous stress on growing bodies,” says Travis Frantz, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Texas Health Orthopedic Specialists, a Texas Health Physicians Group practice in Bedford. “This often leads to overuse injuries and long-term musculoskeletal issues.”
Encourage variety in sports and ensure they take regular breaks to rest their muscles and joints.
Hydrate and Stay Conditioned
Dehydration and lack of conditioning can lead to fatigue, increasing the likelihood of injuries. Make sure your child drinks plenty of water and gradually builds their fitness level before the season starts.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Knowing when an injury requires professional care is crucial for your child's health and safety. While many sports-related injuries can be treated at home with rest and basic first aid, some situations demand immediate professional attention.
Acute Injuries
Acute injuries occur suddenly and often result from a specific incident or trauma. If your child experiences any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention at an emergency room:
- Intense pain that doesn't subside
- Significant swelling, especially if it occurs rapidly
- Inability to bear weight on a limb
- Visible deformities, such as bones protruding through the skin or joints that appear misaligned
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Numbness or a blue color in the injured area
These symptoms could indicate serious conditions such as fractures, severe sprains, or dislocations that require prompt medical intervention.
Overuse Injuries
Overuse injuries develop gradually due to repetitive stress on muscles, tendons, or bones. While less immediately alarming than acute injuries, they can lead to long-term problems if not addressed. Consult a sports medicine specialist if you notice:
- Persistent pain that doesn't improve with rest
- Pain that recurs during or after physical activity
- Swelling that doesn't resolve with home treatment
- Decreased range of motion in a joint
- Weakness in a particular muscle group or limb
These symptoms may indicate conditions like stress fractures, tendinitis, or growth plate injuries. If basic RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) treatment doesn't alleviate symptoms within a few days, professional evaluation is recommended.
Concussions and Heat-Related Issues
Head injuries and heat-related illnesses require special attention due to their potential for serious complications. Seek urgent care if your child exhibits:
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Headache that worsens or doesn't improve
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Irritability or other mood changes
For heat-related issues, also watch for:
- Excessive sweating or, conversely, an inability to sweat
- Rapid heartbeat
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
Remember, when it comes to your child's health, it's always better to err on the side of caution. If you're unsure about the severity of an injury, consult with a health care professional.
Easing Back into Sports Safely After a Break
If some time has passed since your child last played a sport, it's important to reintroduce physical activity gradually:
- Gradual Progression: Start with light exercises and slowly increase intensity to allow the body to adapt and prevent overuse injuries.
- Monitor for Symptoms: Pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain. If your child reports persistent symptoms, consult a healthcare professional before resuming full activity.
- Emphasize Technique: Reinforce proper techniques and form to reduce the risk of injury, especially when returning to sports that involve repetitive motions.
The Takeaway
By emphasizing proper preparation, recognizing warning signs of injury, and promoting safe recovery practices, you can help your child enjoy spring sports while minimizing risks. Sports should be fun and enriching — not sidelined by preventable injuries! If you have concerns about your child’s health during the season, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare provider.
Let’s make this spring season both active and injury-free!
For more information about Texas Health Sports Medicine or to find a sports medicine physician, visit TexasHealth.org/SportsMedicine.