SPORTS INJURIES IN KIDS

Seeing your little one get hurt can be heartbreaking. Understanding the nature of common injuries, and what you can do, means you'll be able to get your child back to their best.

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Sports are a huge part of many childhoods. Kids often play a variety of sports every week and, due to their youthful exuberance, it’s not unusual for them to pick up scrapes, knocks and bruises from time to time. For many, this is simply part and parcel of playing sports and the majority of minor injuries can be taken care of with some basic first aid methods. However, sometimes children pick up more serious injuries.

COMMON TYPES

Seeking professional medical attention is always a good idea if you’re concerned that your little athlete has gotten hurt. With that being said, it’s also worthwhile having an awareness of the types of injuries that kids are most likely to pick up, so that you can be prepared.

Strains

Strains are injuries that affect muscles and tendons. A muscle strain (also called a pulled muscle) can be quite painful, leading to limited movement, weakness and bruising or discoloration.

Tendons are cords of strong, flexible tissue that connect muscle to bone. Tendon strains often result in inflammation and discomfort, along with reduced flexibility.

Sprains

Sprains occur when ligaments are overstretched or, in very serious injuries, torn. Ligaments are similar to tendons except that they connect bone to bone. Children often roll their ankles and it’s not unusual for this to result in an ankle sprain. Pain and stiffness in the affected area are the primary symptoms of a ligament sprain.

Fractures