Pediatric News – Sports Injuries
Sports are physical activities that require both mental and physical strength. Most sports are organized around a particular sport or group of sports. It may involve a set of specific rules or specifications and is usually followed by several competitors. The competitions in most sports are held on a regular basis and usually start after school. In the past, most sports were performed by men, but now women can participate in sports as well. Some of the sports that have been modified to include women are swimming, track and field, softball, wrestling and golf.
Sports are considered an athletic activity when a participant uses physical power to achieve a particular goal. Sports may also involve an element of skill and use motor skills. All these skills and elements help to build the participant’s strength, agility, stamina, and flexibility. Some sports are a combination of these elements, which mean that the participant needs to use both physical and mental skills to be successful.
Sports are popular because they provide something for everyone: they improve health and fitness, they build confidence, and they provide something for kids to do on school and on with friends. Young people who participate in sports are known as athletes. Some sports promote physical activity, while others encourage more relaxation. Generally speaking, sports promote health and fitness, while teaching young people to be independent, responsible, and to work together as a team.
Children frequently sustain sports injuries, and the most common sports injuries occur during the summer months. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious problems for children and adolescents who participate in competitive sports, including football, baseball, soccer, and basketball. These sports injuries can cause permanent damage to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments of the body.
The symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion are the same, but the location of the injury can help determine the severity of the problem. Heat exhaustion often affects the face, but can also occur on the hands and feet. If you notice swelling, pain, redness, and a fever following exercise, seek medical attention right away. In extreme cases, heat exhaustion can lead to death. Injuries to the head and neck should always be checked by a physician. Many sports injuries involve the head and neck; if a child is unconscious for a long time following an accident, it is important to take them to the doctor as soon as possible.
While most sports injuries only result in minor discomfort, some can be very serious. If you have a child who has sustained a sports-related injury, talk to him or her about the possible consequences. Discuss whether the injury could slow down play or school, prevent participation in sports, and/or require physical therapy and rehabilitation. Sports-related injuries in middle schools and high schools are on the rise, and it is important for parents to be aware of the problems so that they can make the best decisions for their children.