Anyone who has either played on a team as a kid or has children who participate in sports has experienced the occasional bump and bruise. But did you know that every year around 1.35 million young athletes have a sports-related injury severe enough to send them to the emergency room? What’s more, this number does not include the kids whose parents take them to Urgent Care clinics, or their family doctor for treatment. Youth sports injuries have reached alarming levels. The most common types of sports-related injuries among children are sprains, muscle strains, bone or growth plate injuries, repetitive motion injuries and heat-related illness. And, the body parts that are most affected include the ankle (15%), head (14%), finger (12%), knee (9%) and face (7%). According to data compiled in a study in 2012, here are the top 10 sports leading to the most youth sports injuries (ages 13-17), plus some injury prevention tips.
Top 10 Youth Sports with Most Injuries
#10 Track and Field (24,910)
#9 Gymnastics (28,300)
#8 Cheerleading (37,770)
#7 Wrestling (40,750)
#6 Volleyball (43,190)
#5 Softball (58,210)
#4 Baseball (119,810)
#3 Soccer (172,470)
#2 Basketball (389,610)
#1 Football (394,350)
Percentages vs. Numbers
While these statistics reflect upon the sheer numbers of injuries, there are other factors we must review when considering what sports are dangerous for our kids. While soccer, basketball, and football top the list for the most amount of injuries, other sports have higher percentages of injuries. Meaning, they may have lower numbers of casualties, however, the number of athletes are not as significant as the top three. For example, if you look at the relative percentages, football, ice hockey, wrestling and cheerleading top the youth sports injury list.
Injury Prevention
Can these injuries be prevented? There are definite steps that athletes, parents, coaches, and trainers can take to prevent youth sports injuries.
- Rest and Recovery Time
It is important to build at least one mandatory rest day into the week of young athletes. Consider at least a month off per year to allow the body to recover completely.
- The Right Gear
Make sure kids ALWAYS wear the proper gear assigned to their sport. Furthermore, because most injuries occur during practice as opposed to game time, this point is most important during training.
- Strength Training
Coaches need to include conditioning training during practice. These exercises strengthen the muscles used during play.
- Flexibility Training
Proper stretching before and after activities can help athletes remain limber. Coaches should encourage daily stretching as part of a regular fitness plan.
- Proper Form and Technique
Fine-tuning skills to include an appropriate form and technique will not only improve performance but will also help prevent injury and encourage body awareness.
- Take Frequent Breaks
Mandatory, frequent rest periods during practice and games can prevent injury, especially heat-related illnesses.
- Pay Attention to the Body
NEVER play through pain. Encourage open communication between athletes and coaches.
- Proper Hydration
Avoid heat-related illness and possible muscle cramping and strain through adequate hydration. Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after activity.
Physical Therapy is Key
If your child competes in sports from a young age, physical therapy for student-athletes is no longer a luxury that is confined only to elite, high-level athlete. The goal of physical therapy in the training of young athletes is providing a proactive assessment and utilization of appropriate rehabilitative treatments to prevent injuries from becoming chronic. The staff at Kinetic PT believes in a holistic approach to treating youth sports injuries. Further, we work toward creating and maintaining a safe and healthy overall physical environment for young athletes. Our team has extensive experience in treating all populations. You can trust us to create a specific treatment for your child’s particular needs. Contact us today for an evaluation.
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