Medical Minute
Thomas Cervoni, M.D.
Advanced Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine
Baptist Health Richmond
Keeping Kids Safe When Playing Sports
For the Matthews family, Saturday is a hectic day. Sonya has a soccer game at 9 a.m.,
but it’s not over when Andrew’s basketball practice starts at 10:30. In the afternoon,
Andrew plays soccer while Sonya works out with her lacrosse team.
Although the parents have a rough time keeping track of it all, the Matthews children
are doing quite well. During a time when childhood obesity is rampant, they are fit and
healthy. And they really have no time or energy for teenage acting out.
Young athletes reap many other benefits–making friends, learning teamwork,
understanding the intricacies of competition and cooperation, improved emotional
health and self-esteem. They are, however, putting themselves at risk of sports injuries,
some of which can cause long-term problems if not handled properly. More than 3.5
million children age 14 and under suffer sports injuries each year, according to the
National SAFE KIDS Campaign.
Elementary age children are still developing coordination, but they are also smaller
and don’t move as fast or as forcefully. As kids get older and gain strength, collisions
become more of an issue.
Growth patterns vary, however, so grouping young athletes by age does not
adequately take into account big differences in size, strength, coordination and skill.
Many injuries occur when children who are small for their age try to keep up with their
peers. Parents should look for organized programs that take these differences into
account.
An adult who participates in sports–and, unfortunately, many coaches–may not
realize that children are more susceptible to injury than adults. The bones of a child or
adolescent contain growth plates, areas of cartilage where growth is taking place. These
are relatively weak and particularly vulnerable to injury. Injuries to growth plates are
potentially serious and should be treated by a an appropriate pediatric and
musculoskeletal orthopaedic specialist.
Whether in games or in practice, young athletes should be watched closely for signs
of pain or fatigue. And coaches should be careful not to push young athletes into
playing with injuries or over training.
Overuse injuries are common in adults as well, and the old adage of “working
through it” nearly always results in a more serious injury. In a young person, these
injuries are a big concern because they can have a negative effect on bone growth.
In addition to excessive training, overuse injuries can be caused by improper
technique, poorly selected or worn out athletic shoes, playing the same sport year
round or playing multiple sports in the same season.
When overuse injuries do not respond promptly to RICE treatment (Rest, Ice,
Elevation, Compression), the child should be examined by a doctor.
Coaches and parents should avoid pushing their child back into action too quickly
after any kind of injury. Any return to activity should be gradual allowing the muscles,
tendons and ligaments a proper chance to adjust.
One very important precaution involves head and facial injuries. If a child suffering
such an injury experiences a headache, impaired vision, ringing in the ears or nausea, he
or she may have suffered a concussion even if there was no loss of consciousness. The
athlete should be cleared by a physician before returning to action.
You can help keep your kids safe by following some simple guidelines. Make sure
your young athletes:
HAVE THE PROPER GEAR: Most sports require standard protective gear, and it’s
important for parents and coaches to ensure that the right helmet, mouth guards, eye
protection and pads are used. Make sure it’s the right helmet for the sport and that it
fits snugly and comfortably.
WARM UP before getting into vigorous activity and cools down afterward with
proper stretches to maintain flexibility.
STAY COOL AND DRINK plenty of water. Children perspire less than adults, and
sweating starts at a higher body temperature. Be wary of the signs of heat exhaustion
(nausea, dizziness, weakness, headache, pale and moist skin, heavy sweating, weak
pulse, disorientation) and of heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, and skin that is hot and
dry).
Heat-related injuries are dangerous and often occur because of a deficit in body
fluids. Be sure young athletes have access to water and sports drinks.
Keeping young athletes safe simply requires some common sense. Actually, injuries
are not all that common and the benefits that kids get by participating in sports far
outweigh the risks.
To learn more about sport-related injuries and prevention, contact Thomas Cervoni,
M.D., Advanced Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine at Baptist Health Richmond at
859-624-4110 or visit BaptistHealthRichmond.com/Cervoni.
REFERENCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons,”The young athlete,” last reviewed July, 2007.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, “A guide to safety for young athletes.”
“Five ways to avoid sports injuries,” KidsHealth, reviewed by Mary L. Gavin, M.D., October, 2011.
Robin McClure, “Kid safety sports checklist for parents helps to keep the game ball on safety,” About.com Child Care.
National Athletic Trainers’ Association, “Sports safety checklist.”
NIH, “Childhood sports injuries and their prevention: a guide for parents with ideas for kids,” July, 2009.
“Preventing children’s sports injuries,” KidsHealth, reviewed by Alfred Atanda, Jr., M.D., November, 2011.
“Sports safety for kids,” WebMD Medical Reference, reviewed by Daniel Brenna, M.D., October 10, 2011.
“Sports safety guide,” Safe Kids, U.S.A.
“Youth sports safety resources,” University of Michigan Health System, compiled by Kyla Boyse, R.N., reviewed by Amy Miller, M.D.,
updated August, 2009.