Because children and teens are still growing and developing, they experience different types of sports-related injuries than do adults.
The Sports Medicine Program, with locations at Miami Children’s Hospital and MCH Dan Marino Center in Weston, is dedicated to supporting treatment and prevention of sports injuries in the growing athlete, or young sports enthusiast.
The program, at both locations, is staffed by one of the region’s first pediatric sports medicine specialists, Stephen Swirsky, D.O., board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. In addition to his work treating injuries through Miami Children’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, he provides sports medicine physicals for high school athletes and leads a team of sports trainers who provide medical coverage during youth soccer and football league sporting events. He is the team physician for one of the largest high schools in Miami-Dade County as well as a large gymnastics academy in Broward County.
Dr. Stephen Swirsky brings to the practice of orthopaedic medicine a special understanding of the needs of the young athlete. Prior to completing his medical degree and orthopaedic surgery residency, Dr. Swirsky was a physical therapist and a certified athletic trainer who worked with athletes of all levels. Currently a member of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America and a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, his diversified background and unique approach give him an unparalleled understanding of what is required to help his patients return to their optimal level of health and athletic performance.
“If a child encounters something other than a bruise, it should be evaluated by a pediatric orthopaedic specialist,” said Dr. Swirsky. “Most of the time you can tell when children are hurt, but not always. They may try to hide pain because they do not want to miss practice or a game,” he said.
The Sports Medicine Program also incorporates an array of diagnostic and therapeutic services such as X-ray, M.R.I., occupational and physical therapy. The interdisciplinary team members work together to provide the most advanced care for patients and their families. These services are provided in an outpatient setting at the Miami Children's Hospital and the MCH Dan Marino Center in Weston.
If your child does get hurt, know that the locations listed below are always available to provide the special care he or she needs. For more information about Sports Medicine, or to make an appointment at any of our two locations, please call (305) 662-8366 or 1-800-685-1885.
Miami Children's Hospital
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
3100 SW 62 Avenue
Miami, FL 33155
The Sports Medicine Program
Miami Children's Hospital Dan Marino Center
2900 S. Commerce Parkway
Weston, FL 33331
Here are some tips you may find helpful:
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.
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 |
Additional Resources
Orthopaedic Patient Success Stories
Scoliosis & Spine Disorders
Limb Length Inequalities & Deformities
Main Orthopaedics Page