VSMC News

Youth Athletic Injuries

As we reach the cooler days of late summer and early fall, children and teens are once again hitting the athletic playing fields for their fall sports seasons. Team sports are a great way for youngsters to not only improve their physical fitness levels, but also to develop self-discipline and teamwork, and to enhance self-esteem. One drawback to this type of activity, however, is the increased risk of injury.

Certified athletic trainers and orthopedic surgeons have observed an alarming surge in adult-type sports injuries in young athletes over the past few years. The most likely cause of this increased injury rate is overuse; many young athletes play their chosen sport(s) year-round, play more than one sport during each season, and/or specialize in one sport at a young age. Many of these injuries suffered in youth, if not taken seriously, may become chronic later in life.

How can young athletes minimize their risk of injury? Adhering to the following rules may assist in keeping an athlete on the field:

• All athletes should have a pre-participation physical exam to ensure that they are fit for play
• Warm-up before all activity
• Take rest breaks during activity
• Replenish fluids
• Cool down and stretch after activity
• Have adequate rest days built into the schedule
• Cross-train in moderation: do not participate in the same activity on a constant basis, in order to prevent one area from becoming overworked and stressed
• Do not play on more than one sports team at a time
• Parents and coaches should instruct the athlete in proper skill technique
• Parents and coaches should group young athletes according to skill level and size, not age
• Parents, coaches, and the athletes themselves must be alert to injuries
• Have an emergency plan in place
• All injuries should be evaluated by medical personnel

Remember: young athletes are not merely small adults. Their bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments are still growing, which makes them more susceptible to injury. What may be a mild sprain or bruise in an adult may manifest itself as a serious injury in a child. The treatment and rehabilitation of injuries are critical, but even more important is prevention.

Patricia Patane, MS, ATC, PT, CSCS is a Certified Athletic Trainer and Physical Therapist at the Vermont Sports Medicine Center in Manchester. VSMC provides free safe-sport injury screenings for the community. Call 362-2836 for details.

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