3 Tips For Preventing Sports Injuries Among Children (For Parents)
As the school year begins, families are also preparing for the sports season. With practices, games, and tournaments filling up the calendar, it’s important for parents to think about how to keep their young athletes healthy.
If you have kids and you’re worried about them getting injured, you’ll be glad to know that there are quite a few tips online. By carefully following these tips, parents will be able to help their kids excel in sports and reduce their risk of injury.
Easing into Sports
A common mistake experts see in their practice is young athletes pushing themselves too hard too soon after a break. Jumping straight into intense practices and games after a break can lead to injuries. To prevent this, parents should gradually increase their child’s physical activity a few weeks before practice begins.
This might include going for long bike rides or hikes, playing catch, or kicking a soccer ball around. Additionally, parents should also pay attention to how many sports their child is involved in and be mindful of the volume of practices and games to avoid overloading kids during times of rapid growth.
Get A Sports Physical For Your Kid
A sports physical, or preparticipation exam, is an important step before starting the sports season. This allows the doctor to study your child’s medical history and identify any risk factors or preexisting conditions that can make him more susceptible to injuries.
This is why in many schools, athletes must go through this examination prior to participating in any sport. Sports physicals, when done correctly, can be used for up to two years, especially for high school athletes.
Medical doctors advise the parents to schedule appointments long before the sports season begins so that necessary interventions can be made in time.
Understanding Common Sports Injuries
It’s important for parents to be aware of the most common sports injuries so that they can recognize the signs and seek medical attention if necessary. Some of the most common sports injuries include sprains, strains, and fractures.
Concussions, heat-related illnesses, and overuse injuries are also common. Parents should also be aware of the signs of injury and the proper protocol for treatment and recovery.
In conclusion, parents can help their children have a healthy and successful sports season by gradually easing back into sports, scheduling a sports physical, and being aware of common sports injuries.
By following these tips, parents can help their kids excel in sports and reduce the risk of injury. It’s also essential to ensure kids have fun and play in a positive environment.