Sport Related Injuries and Treatment

Term 3 2023
Form 3

Sports help children and teens keep their bodies fit and feel good about themselves. Kids can
enjoy the camaraderie and excitement of athletic events while developing new skills.

To keep sports safe and fun for kids, here are some tips to help prevent common injuries among
youth athletes.

Playing a variety of age-appropriate sports

All sports have a risk of injury. In general, the more contact in a sport, the greater the risk of a
traumatic injury. However, most injuries in young athletes are due to overuse. As pediatricians,
we advise young athletes to avoid specializing in one sport. It's best to play a variety of sports to
avoid injuries we often see with overuse.

Parents can play a big role in helping to prevent common injuries by encouraging their children
to play sports that are appropriate for their age, development and physical abilities.

More tips to reduce the risk of youth sports injuries

● Take time off. Plan to have at least 1 day off per week and at least one month off per
year from training for a particular sport. This allows the body to recover.
● Wear the right gear. Players should wear appropriate and properly fit protective
equipment such as pads (neck, shoulder, elbow, chest, knee, shin), helmets, mouthpieces,
face guards, protective cups and eyewear. However, young athletes should not assume
that protective gear will prevent all injuries while performing more dangerous or risky
activities.
● Strengthen muscles. Conditioning exercises during practice strengthens amuscles used
in play.
● Increase flexibility. Stretching exercises after games or practice can increase flexibility.
Stretching should also be incorporated into a daily fitness plan.
● Use the proper technique. This should be reinforced during the playing season.
● Play safe. Strict rules against headfirst sliding (baseball and softball), spearing (football)
and checking (in hockey) should be enforced.
● Stop the activity if it hurts. Don't play or exercise thorugh the pain.
● Take breaks. Rest periods during practice and games can reduce injuries and prevent
heat illness.
 ● Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after exercise or play to avoid dehydration;
decrease or stop practices or competitions during high heat/humidity periods; wear light
clothing.

Sports-related emotional stress

The pressure to win can also cause significant emotional stress for a child. Young athletes should
be judged on effort, sportsmanship and hard work. They should be rewarded for trying hard and
for improving their skills rather than punished or criticized for losing a game or competition. The
main goal should be to have fun and learn lifelong physical activity skills.

Some of the more common sports injuries include:

● Ankle sprain – symptoms include pain, swelling and stiffness.

● Bruises – a blow can cause small bleeds into the skin.
● Concussion – mild reversible brain injury from a blow to the head, which may be
associated with loss of consciousness. Symptoms include headache, dizziness and short
term memory loss.
● Cuts and abrasions – are usually caused by falls. The knees and hands are particularly
prone.
● Dehydration – losing too much fluid can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
● Dental damage – a blow to the jaw can crack, break or dislodge teeth.
● Groin strain – symptoms include pain and swelling.
● Hamstring strain – symptoms include pain, swelling and bruising.
● Knee joint injuries – symptoms include pain, swelling and stiffness. The ligaments,
tendons or cartilage can be affected.
● Nose injuries – either blood nose or broken nose, are caused by a direct blow.
● Stress fractures – particularly in the lower limbs. The impact of repeated jumping or
running on hard surfaces can eventually stress and crack bone.

First aid for sprains, strains and joint injuries

Suggestions on immediate treatment for sprains, strains and joint injuries, to prevent further
damage include:

● Rest – keep the injured area supported and avoid using for 48-72 hours.
● Ice – apply ice to the injured area for 20 minutes every two hours for the first 48-72
hours.
 ● Compression – apply a firm elastic bandage over the area, extending above and below the
painful site.
● Elevation – raise the injured area above the level of the heart at all times.
● Referral – as soon as possible, see a doctor.
● No Heat – heat will increase bleeding.
● No Alcohol – alcohol increases bleeding and swelling.
● No Running – running or exercise increases blood flow, delaying healing.
● No Massage – massage increases swelling and bleeding, also delaying healing.

First aid for nose bleeds

Suggestions include:

First aid for dislodged teeth

It may be possible to save a tooth that has been knocked out with prompt dental treatment. Rinse
the tooth in water or milk, and see your dentist immediately.