Adolescents participating in sports benefit by learning about team work while getting an excellent work out. There are risks associated with children playing sports, but I still believe the benefits outweigh the risks. Injuries range from minor bruises and cuts to more serious brain and spinal cord injuries, with the most common occurring in between the two extremes.
The Centers for Disease Control reported that 1.9-million children under the age of 15 were treated in the ER in 2001, due to sports related injuries. With statistics being so high, we as parents and coaches should educate ourselves on the most common sports related injuries.
Sprains and strains
A sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament, while a strain is a stretch or tear in the muscle or tendon. Both sprains and strains are treated with R.I.C.E which is an acronym for the following
* Rest
* Ice
* Compression
* Elevation
Growth plate injuries
Children are still growing and therefore have growth plates, an area of developing tissue at the end of long bones. Long bones include the femur (thigh bone) and humerus (upper arm bone), as well as the tibia (shin bone). Long bones are also found in the hands and feet, as well as the forearm and lower leg bones. If a child obtains a growth plate injury it is crucial to make an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon, which is a doctor who specializes in in the treatment of bone injuries.
Repetitive motion injuries
Repetitive motion injuries are also called overuse injuries. Repetitive motion injuries include the following, all due to overuse:
* Hairline fractures, which are minor fractures that appear as a thin line on an X-ray
* Tendinitis, inflammation of a tendon
Repetitive motion injuries are treated with R.I.C.E, and may also be treated with a cast or crutches. Physical therapy is also helpful in treating overuse injuries.
Heat related illness
Heat injuries are to be treated very seriously as they can be fatal. Heat related illnesses include the following:
* Dehydration
* Heat exhaustion
* Heat Stroke
Be sure to keep adolescents well hydrated with plenty of water and sports drinks that include electrolytes.
Concussions
The number of children treated in the ER for concussions has recently gone up significantly. Concussions are more likely in high school age athletes, as well as those participating in football and ice hockey. One study concluded that the risk of concussion is also higher in girls. Concussions are to be treated so seriously that the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends that children who experience multiple concussion consider giving up contact sports for good. The following is a list of symptoms to look for when suspecting a concussion:
* Amnesia
* Confusion
* Headache
* Dizziness
* Ringing in ears
* Fatigue
* Slurred Speech
Play hard but safe, as it is always better to be safe than sorry.
More from this contributor:
Total body health for athletes
Rebecca completed courses in Medical Terminology, Administrative Medical Assisting and Coding and Billing. She is recognized by the National Healthcareer Association as a Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) and Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA).
Sources:
NIAMS
Web MD
Allan, David M., Lockyer, Karen D., Buchman, Michelle A. (2008): Medical Language for Modern Health Care. New York: McGraw-Hill