The Top Four Sport Injuries in Kids

  1. Overuse Injuries due to year-round sports, playing in multiple leagues simultaneously, and concentrating on one sport — particularly “unilateral” sports involving repetitive motion using muscles on one side of the body (for example, throwing, swinging, and pitching in baseball). If overuse injuries are caught early, surgery can be avoided. If left untreated, they can lead to significant and possibly permanent damage.
  2. Concussion, or traumatic brain injury, usually caused by a direct blow to the head, or an indirect blow to another part of the body. Significant injury can occur without losing consciousness. Baseline screening is important to determine when a child can safely return to a sport. Returning before the brain fully heals can result in more serious brain damage or a life-threatening situation.
  3. Heat-related Illnesses, such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Kids are especially vulnerable because they sweat less and tend to drink less fluids.
  4. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries of the knee are particularly common among athletes ages 15 to 18, with girls five times more likely to suffer an injury. Seventy to 80 percent of ACL injuries are a result of landing from a jump, pivoting, and/or decelerating. Exercises to help strengthen muscles and improve faulty movement patterns are critical in preventing ACL injuries. For tips on how to avoid ACL injuries.

Concussions In The News

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