By Kenneth Huh, M.D., Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Specilaist, Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach | In the United States, approximately 30 million children and teens participate in some form of organized sports. More than 3.5 million kids under the age of 14-years-old receive medical treatment for sports-related injuries, while high school athletes account for an estimated two million injuries, 500,000 
doctor visits and 30,000 hospitalizations each year.

Playing sports and being active is a way of life for most children. It’s a great way to make friends and have fun, but just because playing sports is fun does not mean there isn’t potential for injury. Injuries in sports can range from small cuts and bruises, to life-threatening like head and internal injuries, but the key is to be aware of what they are and to learn how they can be prevented.

The most common injuries in sports for kids are sprains and strains. It is important to realize the difference between the two. A sprain is more serious as it is an injury to a ligament, while a strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. However, on a more serious level, brain injury is the leading cause of sports-related death in children.

Many injuries occur as a result of falls, being struck by an object, collisions or overexertion during unorganized or informal sports activities. With that being said there are several things your kids can do to help prevent injuries while playing sports.

• Wear the appropriate protective gear and make sure it fits properly.
• Ask your child’s coach, or an educated professional, what kind of protective gear your child can wear to be more safe.
• Whether it be a helmet while riding a bicycle, or the correct sneakers when playing basketball, the right protective gear can make a difference.
• Another important factor is to make sure that your child’s gear fits properly. Wearing ineffective gear can sometimes increase the chances of injury.
• Take the time to stretch and warm-up properly.
• Learning the appropriate stretching techniques is very important to prepare your child’s body for the strenuous activity they are about to participate in.
• A good comparison to this is when you take your car out on a cold day. If you just start driving right away, and don’t let it warm up, then you can damage the vehicle. The same can be said about the human body, if you just jump right into intense activity without stretching than you put yourself at a higher risk of injury.
• Having your kids take 10-15 minutes of stretching and warm-up time before a game or an activity can make a difference.
• Give your kids time off in-between seasons.

Sports are such a big part of kids’ lives in today’s age that once their normal school season ends that is just the beginning. Either kids are jumping right into a different sport or they continue that same sport in summer leagues. Either way, the constant stress on a growing child’s body can be very harmful and once a full season or league is finished it is suggested that they take about a month off to rest and heal.

Taking some of these actions can help your kids stay healthier on the field but even when they are off the field even something as simple as knowing what, and when, to eat or drink can make a difference. It is suggested that kids start hydrating the night before a game by drinking plenty of water. If they don’t hydrate ahead of time, dehydration can become an issue during the game. Eating a healthy meal about an hour before a game is the optimal time because it will give your child more energy. Lastly, kids need to eat and drink right which means staying away from high sugar energy drinks and fried foods because they can hinder performance which could potentially lead to injury.

Children playing sports and being active is a great way to stay healthy and with the help of the Pediatric Orthopedic Specialty Center at Miller Children’s kids will continue to be kids and have fun on and off the field. The Pediatric Orthopedic Specialty Center provides comprehensive assessment, treatment and follow-up care to children, adolescents and young adults with sports-related injuries, whose musculoskeletal problems are different than adults.

If you feel your child has suffered an injury, or you would like to learn more, contact the Miller Children’s Hospital Pediatric Orthopedic Specialty Center at (562) 933-0249.