Sports Injuries In Kids: A Growing Concern

Playing sports is great for kids. It keeps them stay active, helps to build strong muscles and teachers them how to work in a team and discipline. But there is a growing problem we need to talk about more children are getting hurt while playing sports. 

From small sprains to serious head injuries, many kids are coming to hospitals with injuries that used to happen mostly in adults. And it’s not just about falling during a match. These injuries often happen due to repeated stress, poor training, or not paying attention to pain in time.

Why do Kids Get Injured?

The most common cause is focusing on only one sport throughout the year. This puts too much stress and pressure on certain muscles and joints every day, which can lead to overuse injuries, such as knee and skin pain. 

Another reason is a lack of proper warm-up before engaging in actual sports or training. Many kids start playing without stretching their muscles or preparing their bodies. This causes them to become exhausted too soon, which increases the risk of injury.

Also, not all schools or sports centres have trained coaches or medical staff. Simple things, such as wearing the right shoes, drinking enough water, or taking breaks, are often overlooked during practice or matches.

How to Prevent Sports Injuries in Kids

The good news is that most of these injuries can be avoided with these steps: 

Play different sports: letting your kid try different games every now and then, this helps in muscles a break and keeps the pressure on the joints balance throughout their body. 

Take rest seriously: Kids should take at least one day off during the week from sports. Rest between sports allows their body to relax and gives muscles and joints time to heal.

Warm Up and Cool Down: Simple stretching and light jogging before and after play can help minimize the risk of injuries.

Wear appropriate equipment: Fitting shoes, helmets and pads should always be used for protection. 

Don’t ignore pain: If a child says something hurts a little, try not to ignore it. Playing through pain could cause greater injury.

Helping Kids Play Safely

Not all injuries need hospital care, but some signs should never be ignored:

• Pain that doesn’t go away with rest
• Swelling or any part of the body looking out of shape
• Difficulty walking or using a limb
• Feeling dizzy or confused after a hit to the head

Understand that sports are important for kids. They help your children grow strong and confident. You also need to pay attention to the fact that they are playing it safe.

If your child is someone who plays sports and has repeated pain or unusual movements, it is best to get a check-up. At SUGAM Hospital, as the best orthopedic doctor in Chennai, we offer child-friendly equipment and experienced doctors who specialized in treating sports injuries in children, from initial assessments to comprehensive recovery plans.