Sports Injuries

Sports are, and have always been, a large part of American culture. Over the course of the past few decades, youth athletics have dramatically evolved in numerous arenas.  Included in these are increasing physical demands, psychological intensity, media coverage, scholarship offerings, the proliferation of female participation, and early specialization of sports. Together, these factors have helped to create a trend towards an escalation of injuries in the youth population. In the United States, about 30 million children and teens participate in some form of organized sport.  According to the National SAFE KIDS campaign, more than 3.5 million children receive medical treatment for sports related injuries each year.
What causes sports injuries? Research has provided us with helpful clues about the causes of sports injuries.  There are two factors that out weigh the rest when it comes to predicting sports injuries. They are:
·        Having a history of injury.  Previous injuries to a muscle or joint tend to develop into chronic problem areas for many athletes. It is extremely important to warm up, and stretch previously injured parts.
·        A high number of consecutive days of training.  Recovery days reduce injury rates by giving muscles and connective tissues an opportunity to repair between training sessions.
            While some sport injuries may be inevitable, research suggests that injury rates could be reduced by 25% if athletes took appropriate preventative action. Here are some general rules for injury prevention no matter what sport you play:
·        Every athlete should receive a pre-participation physical exam, including a general exam and an orthopedic exam.
·        Athletes should focus on developing muscular strength and endurance, as well as cardiovascular fitness and flexibility that are specific to their sport.
·        Wear appropriate protective gear and equipment.
·        Rest. Rest can make you stronger and prevent injuries of overuse, fatigue and poor judgment.
·        Always warm up muscles before participating, in particular those muscles that are to be used during the activity.
·        Avoid playing when you are tired or in pain. Pay attention to your body’s warning signs.
If you do suffer an injury, such as a strain or pull, immediately stop the activity and use the RICE method of treatment. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Rest will prevent further injury and will allow for healing.  Ice will reduce swelling as it constricts injured blood vessels and limits the bleeding. Compression further limits swelling and supports the injured joint. Elevation uses gravity to reduce swelling in the injured area by reducing blood flow. It is important to begin RICE as soon after the injury as possible. Begin by using a sheet or towel to protect the skin and apply the ice immediately. Next, wrap an elastic bandage around the ice and injured area.  Do not wrap this so tightly that you cut off the blood supply, however, it should be snug. Leave the ice on the injury for approximately 15 minutes.  Make sure you contact your health care practitioner for a professional evaluation.
As participation in sports increases and due to the competitive nature of athletes, health care professionals, such as doctors and physical therapists, have been called upon to become more involved in the prevention of injury, post-injury care, and sport specific training.  If you are interested in sports training and injury prevention contact us at North Fork Physical Therapy at www.northforkpt.com.