Satistics show, more American children are competing in sports than ever before. Known facts, sports help children and adolescents keep their bodies fit and feel good about themselves. However, little did we know, there are some important injury prevention tips that can help parents and athletes to promote a safe, optimal sports experience for their child or themselves.

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.

Most frequent sports injuries are sprains (injuries to ligaments), strains (injuries to muscles), and stress fractures (injury to bone) caused when an abnormal stress is placed on tendons, joints, bones and muscle. In a growing child, point tenderness over a bone should be evaluated further by a medical provider even if there is minimal swelling or limitation in motion. Contact your Primary Physician, Pediatrician, or Athletic Trainer (for Medical Reference/Referral, if needed) if you have additional questions or concerns.   

Sport-Related Emotional Stress is as well a major injury risk in relation to young athletes. The pressure to win can cause significant emotional stress for a child. Sadly, many coaches and parents consider winning the most important aspect of sports. 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.