Glamaour Era magazine Glamaour Era Global | Page 23
Finger injuries
Finger injuries occur when the nger is struck by the ball or an opponent’s hand or body. The “jammed nger” is often overlooked because of
the myth that nothing needs to be done, even if it is broken. If fractures that involve a joint or tendon are not properly treated, permanent
damage can occur.
Any injury that is associated with a dislocation, deformity, inability to straighten or bend the nger, or signicant pain should be examined
by a doctor. X-rays may be needed. Buddy tape may be all that is needed to return to sports; however, this cannot be assumed without an exam
and x-ray. Swelling often persists for weeks to months after a nger joint sprain. Ice, nonsteroidal anti-inammatory drugs, and range of
motion exercises are important for treatment.
Knee injuries
Knee injuries commonly occur from cutting, pivoting, landing from a jump, or contact with another athlete. If the athlete feels a pop or shift in
the knee, then it’s most likely a ligament injury.
Treatment begins with RICE. Athletes should see a doctor as soon as possible if they cannot walk on the injured knee.Athletes should also see a
doctor if the knee is swollen, a pop is felt at the time of injury, or the knee feels loose or like it will give way.
Medial collateral ligament sprains can be treated in a hinged brace and allowed to return to play. Athletes who return to play with a torn
anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) risk further joint damage. Athletes with an ACL tear should not return to their sport until the ligament has
been reconstructed and they have been cleared by the surgeon.
Shoulder injuries
Shoulder injuries can occur from diving for a ball or from blocking or tackling.
Athletes usually feel their shoulder pop out of place when it is dislocated. Most of the time the shoulder goes back into the joint on its own; this
is called a subluxation (partial dislocation). If the athlete requires help to get it back in, it is called a dislocation. Risk of dislocation
recurrence is high for youth participating in football. Shoulder strengthening exercises, stabilization braces and, in many cases, surgery may
be recommended to prevent recurrence.
Pain from repetitive use is common in football, usually due to weak muscles of the back and trunk. Often rehabilitation exercises and rest from
excessive blocking or tackling drills are all that is necessary to treat this type of pain.
Eye injuries
Eye injuries commonly occur in football usually due to a nger poking through the face mask. Any injury that affects vision or is associated
with swelling or blood inside the eye should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist. The AAP recommends that children involved in organized
sports wear appropriate protective eyewear.
Low back pain
Spondylolysis, stress fractures of the bones in the lower spine, is due to overuse from high-impact and repetitive arching of the back. Symptoms
include low back pain that feels worse with back extension activities. Treatment of spondylolysis includes rest and physical therapy to improve
exibility and low back and core (trunk) strength, and possibly a back brace. Athletes are advised to limit repetitive arching of the spine
(blocking and weight lifting) and high-impact activities (running and jumping). Athletes with low back pain for longer than 2 weeks should
see a doctor. X-rays are usually normal so other tests are often needed to diagnose spondylolysis. Successful treatment requires early
recognition of the problem and timely treatment.
Head injuries
Concussions occur if the head or neck hits the ground, equipment, or another athlete. A concussion is any injury to the br