Basketball, football, soccer, hockey – sports are great! There is always a sport that is in season and sports are a great way to stay active! Not only do sports promote an active and healthier lifestyle, they also promote team work and structure. But, jumping up for that slam dunk, guarding the winning shot and tackling the other team doesn’t come without the increased risk of injury.
You might think that a sports injury would never happen to you, or your child, but unfortunately, they are more common than you might think. Check out these astounding statistics on youth sports injuries:
- Each year, it is noted that high school athletes account for approximately 2 million injuries and 500,000 doctor visits – of those, 30,000 end in hospitalization.
- Each year, more than 3.5 million kids under the age of 14 receive medical treatment for a sports related injury.
- Of all sports injuries to middle and high school students, overuse injuries account for nearly half of those.
- While 62% of sports-related injuries occur during practice, one-third of parents do not have their child take the same safety precautions, such as rest time, as they would during a game.
What might seem like a minor strain or
sprain could be so much more. And overuse is very common – especially in the case of a bone or muscle that is already unknowingly strained. By putting added stress on an already damaged bone or muscle, you are only creating room for future problems that will be to an even worse degree.
If you, or your child, suffers a sports injury – minor strain or sprain included –
be sure to make an appointment with your local clinic. It is always better to be safe, rather than sorry! A quick check by the doctor could save you a future of pain.
