Common Sports Injuries among Kids

Any sport your youngsters participate in has certain risks for sports related injuries. While parents are used to scrapes, bumps, and bruises, they can become stressed and worried when more serious injuries occur. Kids are still learning eye-hand coordination and proper movement, especially in kids under the age of 10. In addition, their bodies are still developing and growing. This results in some kids being taller and bigger than others of the same age. These variances are why there are risks of injuries when kids of similar ages get together to play sports.
Common sports-related injuries among young kids include:

• Muscle Strains
• Sprains
• Stress Fractures
• Tendinitis
• Developing Tissue Injuries
• Heat Exhaustion
• Dehydration
• Frost Bite
• Heat Stroke
• Sunburn

Fortunately, there are things you can do as a parent to help lower the risks of these injuries while teaching your child the proper preventive methods and techniques.
How to Prevent Sports Injuries in Kids
The best way to lower the risk of sports injuries is to enroll your child in the right organized sports for their age group and skill level. Most organized sports are enjoyed in recreation areas with plenty of parents and adults around. In addition, the fields are carefully maintained.
Many coaches and support staff have been trained in first aid and child CPR techniques. Some groups also have experienced trainers on hand to monitor the children’s activities and instruct them on the right ways to handle equipment, recognize when something is wrong, and provide initial treatment for an injury. Verify with the school, church, club, or other organization that their staff is certified in first aid and what the contingency steps are in the event of an injury.
Next, ensure you child has and uses the proper protective equipment and gear for the sport, such as knee pads, elbow pads, and helmets. Confirm the coaching staff will enforce the use of the protective equipment and gear, and remove children from the game should they refuse to wear it. You also want to make sure your child knows how to correctly warm up by stretching their arms, legs, and other muscles. Further, at the end of sporting activities, teach your child how to cool down by walking around and doing specific exercises meant to loosen tightened muscles.
Another preventive technique is to keep your child hydrated. Verify with the organization that there is easy access to water and/or sports drinks. Remind your child to stop and drink often, and any time they are feeling thirsty. Remember to use sunscreen on exposed areas of the body, and reapply it on a regular basis. Lastly, reinforce with your child the importance of following the rules and safety suggestions provided by the coaching staff.
What to Do if Your Kid Is Injured
The first thing to do is attempt to remain calm. Even though your child might be in pain, they are still perceptive and will know if you are stressed. For minor injuries, these are easily treated using an anti-bacteria spray, a bandage, and a kiss. For more serious injuries, apply initial first aid treatment at the event, based upon the injury, such as an ice pack for a strain or strain. Next, take your child to urgent care in Newport Beach or Costa Mesa for professional treatment. Walk-in clinics are equipped to handle all common sports-related injuries like those mentioned above, and they are less expensive than an emergency room visit.
If you require urgent care for your child, visit Xpress Urgent Care today, or feel free to call us at 949-548-8400 with any questions about the injury.