Prevent Back-To-School Sports Injuries
Risk is higher for those who haven ’ t been as active during summer break
By Christopher Hubbard , MD , Atlantic Medical Group
Christopher Hubbard , MD
Areturn to school also means areturn to sportsand the potentialfor injuries … especially for those who haven ’ t been as activeduring the summer break .
“ Returningtosports afteralong break can bring addedriskofsprains , tearsor fractures if proper precautionsaren ’ ttaken ,” says ChristopherHubbard , MD . Boardcertified in orthopedic surgeryfrom the American BoardofOrthopaedic Surgery , Dr . Hubbardspecializes in the foot andankle , including sportsinjuries of thoseareas . He is aphysician with AtlanticMedical Group OrthopedicsatWayne , and is on-staffat AtlanticHealth System ’ s Chilton Medical Center . “ If achild has been in the house playingvideo games , it ’ s importantthatthey adequatelyprepare themselves for activity on theplaying field .”
To help prevent back-to-schoolsports injuries , Dr . Hubbard offers these suggestions :
� Getapreseasonsports physical . Apreseasonphysical can assess areas of concern prior to activity anddeterminewhether a young athlete is fit to play . For childrenup to sixth or seventh grade , this can typically be handled by aprimarycarephysician . For older children , physicals arefrequently done through the school , where an affiliatedphysician experienced in sports medicinecan perform sports-specific examinations .
� Stayhydrated . Drinkplentyofwater before , during and after physicalactivity . Dizziness , fainting , nausea , vomiting , heavy perspiration , or dilated pupils are signs of heat-related illness .
� Warmupand cooldown . Warmup muscleswith activestretches , such as jogging or jumping jacks , as well as passive stretches in each major muscle group to prevent injury . Stretching , as well as foamrolling , after activity canreducemuscle soreness and improve flexibility .
� Eat abalanced diet . Consume awellbalanced diet full of fruits , vegetables , and lean proteins at regular intervals , around the same timeeach day .
� Getplenty of sleep . Restbetween practices , games and events is essential for recovery . Alackofsleep andmusclefatigue predisposeanathlete to injury . Overuse injuries , caused by too many sports andnot enough sleep , are most common among young athletes .
� Getthe properequipment . Prior to the startofpractice , ensure that your child has all the necessary protective equipment : helmet , goggles , mouthguard , pads , shoes , etc .
� Learn theproper technique . Make sure your child knows the proper techniquefor throwing , tackling , kicking , catching , etc . Using proper formwillhelp reduce the risk of concussion , sprains , tears and broken bones .
If parents noticeachange in their athlete ’ s technique ( such as theway they runor throw , persistent pain , swelling , or joint instability ), it may be time to consult an orthopedist . “ Small , lingering injuriescan become biggerissues if notmanagedproperly ,” comments Dr . Hubbard .“ We workclosely with primary care providers , high school trainers , and physicaltherapists to ensure that patients of allages receive the quality and continuity of care they expect and deserve .”
Christopher Hubbard , MD , ispartofAtlantic Medical Group , amultispecialty group of healthcareproviders . For moreinformation , visit atlantichealth . org .
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