Tips to Help Prevent Injuries in Young Athletes

Competitive sports are a way of life for millions of kids across the US. Youth athletes learn teamwork and develop coordination while staying physically fit, something very important in a country where child obesity levels are so high. Despite the many benefits of playing sports, there are inherent risks. More than 3.5 million athletes under the age of 14 are treated for sports-related injuries every year, but the good news is that many of these injuries can be prevented.

Stretching:

Stretching is probably the easiest and most important way to prevent injuries. Cold muscles are tight and more rigid, so when you go directly into a game or practice with cold muscles, they're much more likely to tear. Stretching before you do any sports will warm up your muscles and make them much less prone to injury. It is also important to stretch after exercise, because stopping immediately after strenuous activity can cause the same muscle injuries.

Hydrate:

Adequate hydration is important for everyone, but especially if you're playing sports. When you're working hard at practice or in a game you're sweating and losing water. Without rehydrating frequently dehydration will set in, and in hot weather it can be even more serious.

Be Careful of Head Injuries:

Every year, thousands of youth athletes suffer concussions, and many of them may be put at further risk because of improper care. Every possible concussion needs to be evaluated by a doctor to prevent Second Impact Syndrome, which occurs when the brain suffers a second injury before it is fully healed. Recently an international panel of doctors established a new set of guidelines for how to deal with concussions for youth athletes. Previously it was deemed acceptable to allow an athlete to return to play the same day after being cleared by a doctor, but the new guidelines recommend that any athlete who suffers a possible concussion should not return to activity that day.

Don't Overuse Your Muscles:

It is becoming more common among young athletes to focus on one sport and play it year round, but this can actually adversely affect an athlete's performance and health. Playing multiple sports allows some muscles to rest while new ones are worked, but if one sport is played year round muscles get overworked and can become injured. That's why it is important for young athletes to mix it up and play different sports, or if they only want to play one then it's necessary to break it up and not play every season.

The key to preventing sports injuries for our youth is education. If parents and coaches know these important preventative tips they can help keep youth athletes injury free and competing for years to come.

Sources:

http://childparenting.about.com

http://www.sportssafety.org