Sports are an excellent way for your child to have fun, form friendships, and get regular exercise to stay healthy. Whether your child plays for their school or is involved in a traveling team, keeping them healthy and uninjured is a crucial aspect of their athletic career.
If you're worried about keeping your child off the injured list, the Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine team has your back.
Dr. Brian Snow and Dr. Jon Thompson are two orthopedic surgeons passionate about helping young athletes stay healthy by offering you and your child prevention tips.
Growing up playing sports is a fantastic way for your kids to stay in shape and spend time with their friends. Unfortunately, every sport carries a risk of injury, no matter how prepared your child becomes.
Contact sports like football and wrestling carry a higher risk of traumatic injuries. Still, your child can get injured playing almost any sport if they’re not careful. There are various types of injuries related to sports that, include the following:
Many injuries associated with young athletes are due to overuse. It’s a good idea that your child doesn’t spend all their time playing one sport, as it can lead to specific injuries from constant use of the same areas of their body.
As their parent, you can help your child succeed by providing the guidance they need to excel at sports while minimizing their risk for bodily injury.
If you want your child to succeed, there are a couple of things you can do to keep them from getting injured. During the sports season, you must do the following to help your child stay healthy:
The proper gear is an essential aspect of any sport. Your child must wear protective equipment during games and practice. Types of sporting gear include helmets, mouthguards, and shoulder pads.
Warming up before practice or a game is extremely important to avoid injuries. Stretching and warming up helps your child activate their muscles and get the blood flowing to essential areas of their body they need to excel at their game.
The rules can make or break your child’s sports experience. Before they go out for the team, ensure your child understands the rules of the game. When your child understands the rules, it helps them avoid injuries by knowing what to expect from other players.
If your child complains of pain or discomfort during a game or practice, ensure they take a break and allow the trainer to evaluate the issue. Playing through pain can lead to more severe injuries and keep them on the bench while they heal.
Proper conditioning is critical to preventing injuries in your child. Before they hit the field, help them work on strength training and flexibility to promote a strong, healthy body that’s harder to injure.
It’s easy for your child to get so involved in sports that they forget everything, including nutrition and rest. These two aspects of their life are essential to their health and can help them avoid injury.
Nutrition is a crucial aspect of your child’s well-being while playing sports. You should ensure they’re eating enough healthy foods to sustain the physical activity they’re participating in.
Encourage your child to eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plenty of protein. These foods give them the energy they require to make it through every practice, conditioning sessing, and game to help them succeed.
Staying hydrated is another crucial aspect of keeping your young athlete uninjured. Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after their games and practices to avoid dehydration.
Rest is essential, even when your child doesn't think they need it. It’s easy for them to get caught up in the excitement and want to go, go, go. However, their body needs a break to rest and recuperate. Allow your child to rest between games and practices to avoid painful overuse injuries.
If your child has suffered a sports injury, don’t hesitate to call us at one of our three locations in McKinney, Prosper, and Sherman, Texas, to schedule a consultation. You may also request an appointment on the website.
