Children and sports. They go together like bats and gloves - especially in South Florida where kids' sporting activities are available year round and run the gamut from archery to soccer to volleyball.
But where there are sports, there are opportunities for injury. Parents are advised to seek help from a pediatric sports medicine specialist should their child sustain a sports injury because pediatric injuries are typically very different from those commonly seen in adults.
"Kids have special needs and shouldn't be treated as adults," says Stephen M. Swirsky, DO, pediatric orthopedic surgeon on staff at Miami Children's Hospital and one of only a few pediatric sports medicine specialists in the region. "Because children are still growing and developing, they experience different types of injuries when compared with adults."
For more information about Sports Medicine at Miami Children's Hospital, or to make an appointment, please call (305) 662-8366.
Practicing Prevention
Of course, preventing injuries is even better. There are several steps you and your children can take for safety's sake. For starters, wear sport-specific protective gear. If your son plays football, for example, he'll need a helmet, mouth guard, protective cup, proper footwear and other body pads.
Another key element is to always warm up before practice or a game. Be sure your child's coach includes slow stretching to lengthen players' muscles and increase blood flow. To prevent dehydration from the South Florida heat, children also need to take frequent drink breaks (every 15-20 minutes in the hottest months of the year).
Injury Handling 101
If your child does get injured, discuss the injury with the game physician, trainer and coach. If appropriate, follow the RICE principle (see Remember RICE below) until further evaluation or intervention is initiated.
"If a child encounters something other than a bruise, it should be evaluated by a physician," says Dr. Swirsky. "Most of the time you can tell when kids are hurt, but not always. Some children may not tell you about pain because they don't want to miss practice or a game."
How can you tell if your child is hurt?
Look for swelling, limping or restricted use of the injured limb - these symptoms accompany most injuries in the first few days. Serious injuries are usually evident right away.
Remember RICE
Following RICE, particularly for minor injuries such as strains and bruises can alleviate pain, swelling and inflammation and aid in healing. Teach your child the importance of caring for an injury right away and how to do it the RICE way. Always remember, however, to have any injury evaluated if it's more than a bruise or a cut.
REST - Stop playing and rest the injured area. This is a good time to have the coach or team physician examine the injury.
ICE - Apply a cold pack or bag of ice for 20 minutes each hour. As the swelling goes down, you can gradually stop. (At home, a bag of frozen veggies works well.)
COMPRESSION - Lightly wrap the injured area with an elastic support band. Be sure to remove it frequently. The pressure from the bandage will help to reduce swelling and protect the area by keeping it still.
ELEVATION - Elevate or prop up the injured area to reduce swelling and relieve throbbing pains.
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Get the Stats
A sport-by-sport breakdown of common injuries:
Basketball
Common injuries: fractures, sprains, strains and bruises (in knees and ankles); ACL injuries (especially in girls); rotator cuff strains and tears; and dental injuries
Baseball/Softball
Common injuries: fractures, bruises and soft tissue strains
Soccer
Common injuries: headaches, bruises and cuts
Track
Common injuries: strains and sprains
Football
Common injuries: bruises, strains, sprains, and broken bones (in knees and ankles); pulled muscles; muscle tears; ligament (ACL) tears in the knee; bruised internal organs; and back injuries
Source: The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases |
If your child does get hurt, know that Miami Children's Hospial is always here to provide the special care he or she needs. For more information about Sports Medicine at Miami Children's Hospital, or to make an appointment, please call (305) 662-8366.
Additional Resources
Orthopaedic Patient Success Stories
Scoliosis & Spine Disorders
Limb Length Inequalities & Deformities
Main Orthopaedics Page