Kids Sport Injury Prevention

Kids Sport Injury Prevention

To live a healthy life good habits should start early. Participation in sports, whether it in a school physical education program, or in a soccer league, can teach kids about sportsmanship and most importantly, can also help build a framework for a better life. However, physical activity that is approached randomly can result in injures if one doesn’t have the requisite knowledge and, education. Another key component is to have functional apparel and footwear.

Children are particularly susceptible to sports injuries for a variety of reasons. First, kids are growing at such a rapid pace; they need to take extra precaution in training or on the field. Common injuries include sprains, strains, shin splints, and more serious problems like cartilage tears and severs disease, which is a painful bone disorder resulting from inflammation of the growth plate in the heal. Severs diseaseis a common cause of heel pain in growing kids, especially those who are physically active. It usually occurs during the growth spurt of adolescence, this is during the approximately 2-year period in early puberty when kids grow most rapidly. This growth spurt can begin any time between the ages of 8 and 13 for girls and 10 and 15 for boys."Children are also more prone to injuries due to the fact that they have slower reactions to avoid harm and are less coordinated. Other injuries from sports include activities that "… involve running and jumping, especially those that take place on hard surfaces, such as track, basketball, soccer, and gymnastics. Injuries can even result from standing too long, which puts constant pressure on the heel. Poor-fitting shoes can contribute to the condition by not providing enough support or padding for the feet, or by rubbing against the back of the heel." However, most injuries can be avoided entirely with the proper preventative education.  

To avoid sports injuries one should follow a variety of preventive measures, including pre-season preparation; activities during season, and post season endeavours, all of which can help young athletes stay healthy and injury free. It is important your child is physically and mentally healthy before the season begins. One important step is to take your child to the doctor for regular physical examinations. It is also important to build a strong athletic foundation by making sure your child gets at least 30 minutes of activity every day. This can include going on a bike ride with the family, a run, or even taking the family to nearby park and taking a ball to kick or throw around. Most important, remembering to stretch before and after physical activity. This will ensure your child’s muscles stay agile. Children’s yoga is now available at most yoga studios. This can help with muscle development, soreness and also mental clarity as well as providing for general wellbeing. Yoga for kids can be practiced all year around, and in between sports seasons. To be certain your child is ready for the sports season and  injury free, make sure you are equipping your child with appropriate sports gear that fits correctly, and is functional and appropriate for their athlete’s needs. Additionally, footwear is just as important, as making sure they have the correct apparel. Extra effort should be taken to make sure that your children are well-fitted with footwear and guards. Compression gear can be worn throughout the season to help prevent injury and will alleviate muscle soreness associated with physical conditioning.

Now that you are ready for the season, and ready to dream big, good luck for the season ahead! If you have any questions regarding injury prevention, or need advice on technical footwear or functional apparel, or if you merely want to know more about sports in the community, come visit the team in-store at Playmaker Sport in Mt. Eden.

Courtesy of Natalie from: www.natattacks.wordpress.com