Curious Parents Parenting Resources

kids & sports

How to TREAT & PREVENT Sports Injuries
By Dr. Nicole Muschett

Avoid the terrible toos of sports: too much, too soon, too often, too fast, and too little attention paid to pain. Pain affects training and athletic performance. But pain is also an important sign that must be paid attention to. It gives you feedback on how your body is currently working and warns you that things are not going well. Pain can cause you to alter your stride and can result in other injuries as well. The biomechanical changes you make as a result of pain can cause more pain, stress fracture, strains, and other injuries far away from the site of the original problem. When something hurts, pay attention.

Football & basketball Injuries

Football is the leading cause of injuries in organized sports. Beyond bruised arms and legs, some of the more common injuries are sprains, strains, pulled muscles, and soft tissue tears such as ligaments. The knees and ankles are the most affected. To help your children escape the agony of injury make sure they always wear the proper equipment and don it properly.

The next step down on the injury ladder is basketball, which creates a particularly high rate of knee injuries for girls, especially for the anterior cruciate ligament, the wide ligament that limits rotation and forward movement of the shin bone. Dental injuries occur as well, so always wear mouth guards. But prevention is key, so strength training (particularly knees & shoulders), aerobics, warm-up exercises, proper coaching, and use of safety equipment limits the injuries among boys and girls.

Treating an Injury

Quick action when an accident occurs on the field or court—whether it’s a soft tissue injury (a sprain or strain) or a bone injury—can reduce pain, swelling, and possibly longer-term complications. The following are some general first aid tips: Rest, reduce or stop using the injured area for 48 hours. Ice: for soft tissue injuries, apply a cold pack, ice bag, or a plastic bag filled with crushed ice on the injured area for 20 minutes at a time, four to eight times per day. Ice slows the bleeding and fluid build-up which lead to longer healing times. Remember to never apply ice or a “cold pack” directly on the skin and  don’t forget compression of an injured ankle, knee, or wrist may help reduce swelling. Use elastic wraps, special boots, air casts or splints. Keep the injured area elevated above the level of the heart.

Returning to competition too soon after an injury can lead to repeated injuries of the damaged tissue. However, returning to controlled motion early can be the key to better healing. Being aware of your body and its limits may help to save your competitive career and your enjoyment of your sport.

Dr. Nicole Muschett, DC treats many conditions ranging from bedwetting to sports injuries. For additional information or if you have any questions, contact her at 610.216.0790.