Prevent Sports Injuries

Sports participation among Indian children is at an all-time high. Sports assist children and teenagers in maintaining a healthy body and a positive self-image. However, there are several crucial injury prevention tips that parents can use to ensure that their child has a safe and enjoyable sports experience.

Injury Risks:

Injury is a possibility in all sports. Fortunately, the benefits of sports involvement outweigh the hazards for the vast majority of young people. In general, the higher the level of contact in a sport, the higher the danger of traumatic damage. Overuse, on the other hand, is the leading cause of injury in young athletes.

Sprains (ligament injuries), strains (muscle injuries), and stress fractures are the most common types of sports injuries (injuries to bones). Excessive stress is imposed on tendons, joints, bones, and muscles, resulting in injury. Even if there is modest swelling or limitation in motion, point soreness over a bone in a growing child should be checked further by a medical specialist. If you have any more questions or concerns, contact your pediatrician or orthopedist.

To reduce your Injury Risks:

• Wear the right gear: Players should wear pads (neck, shoulder, elbow, chest, knee, shin), helmets, mouthpieces, face guards, protective cups, and eyewear that are appropriate and properly fitted. While participating in more dangerous or risky sports, young athletes should not believe that protective gear would prevent all injuries.
• Take a day off: Allow your body to heal by taking at least one day off per week and at least one month off per year from training for a specific sport.
• Strengthen your Muscles: Muscles are strengthened by conditioning activities performed throughout practice.
• Flexibility Improvement: Stretching activities after games or practice might help you become more flexible. Stretching should also be a part of your everyday exercise routine.
• Use good technique: This should be emphasized throughout the season.
• Take pauses: Taking breaks throughout practice and games can help to prevent injuries and heat illness.
• Play it safe: Strict rules should be enforced against headfirst sliding (baseball and softball), spearing (football), and checking (hockey).
• Playing through pain is not a good idea.
• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise or play; reduce or cancel practises or contests during high heat/humidity times; and dress in light clothing to avoid heat illness.

If children are jumping on a trampoline, they should be supervised by an adult, and only one child should be on the trampoline at a time; more than one person jumping at a time causes 75 percent of trampoline accidents.

Emotional Stress Caused by Sports

A child's emotional stress might be exacerbated by the pressure to win. Many coaches and parents, regrettably, regard winning as the most essential component of athletics. Young athletes should be evaluated based on their effort, sportsmanship, and dedication. Instead of being punished or condemned for losing a game or competition, they should be commended for trying hard and improving their skills. The primary goal should be to have fun while learning skills for lifelong physical activity.