Parents usually put their children in at least one organized sport at a young age. Three out of four American families with school-aged children have at least one playing a sport, a total of almost 45 million kids. Sports bring families together, and helps put children on the right path to success. Most kids find their passion in sports and gain love for that sport, but staying healthy is key. Taking care of your body to avoid injuries is a must, because if you really love your sport you don’t want to take any time off.
Some sports are more dangerous than others, and more injuries happen in certain sports than others. Nurse Joann Bebe of Colonia High School thought football and track seemed to have the most injuries. There are injuries that are more likely to happen in one sport than the other. For example, a concussion is more likely to happen in football than basketball. But, how serious or dangerous are these common sports injuries? Nurse Bebe emphasized how serious they take the concussion procedure. Before the season of an athlete, the athlete has to take the concussion test. Whenever the athlete has a concussion scare they have to pass this test to be able to play again.
More than 2.6 million children ages 19 and under are seen in emergency departments for injuries related to sports and recreation each year. Safekids.org stated, “The most common types of sport-related injuries among children are sprains (mostly ankle), muscle strains, bone or growth plate injuries, repetitive motion injuries and heat-related illness. Children’s bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments are still growing, making them more susceptible to injury.” This relates to what Nurse Bebe said about how she thinks the knee is the most common sports injury for high school athletes. Student athletes are in their growing years, that’s why most people feel like sprains and tears are common. It is smart to stretch before you participate in any type of physical activity, so you can avoid a muscle pull, strain, tear, etc.
A big part of recovery after a sports injury is knowing when your body is ready to compete again. DO NOT FORCE YOURSELF TO PLAY THROUGH THE INJURY! Nurse Bebe also strongly emphasized you need to rest and follow what the doctor says. Why would you want to make the injury worse? You have to know your body and know when you’re ready. It is important to follow the procedures your doctor gives you to get better. Icing up, epsom baths, and heating pads are all ways to deal with sprains, tears, or even when you’re just sore. You have to do whatever helps you the most with your injury so you can be right back to the grind. Injuries are devastating, and some are traumatized to play if the injury was that serious. You really think Derrick Rose plays the same after all those acl tears? Injuries change you and are a serious matter in sports, so take care of your body.
