Sports promote fun, physical fitness, and healthy competition among children. But too often, our kids are sidelined for reasons that are largely avoidable. More than one in three children who play team sports are injured seriously enough to miss practices or games, and some suffer lifelong consequences. While cuts and bruises may heal rather quickly, broken bones, knee injuries, and concussions can require weeks and even years for recovery.
Nearly three-quarters of U.S. households with school-age children have at least one child who plays organized sports. While the risk of physical injury is inherent in sports participation, children are especially susceptible to these injuries because they are still growing and gaining motor and cognitive skills.
I read a very interesting article about it Suggested instead: As part of my recurring collaboration with the University of Miami Health System – to share medical research and perspective with you towards a healthier life, as individuals, families, and communities –
I want to share this article about the rise in ACL injuries, and specific advice for preventing this common injury in sports: Click Here
From stress fractures to tendonitis, there’s been a rise in sports-related and overuse injuries diagnosed and treated among kids and teens—especially Anterior Cruciate Ligament, or ACL, tears and injuries. Data published this March in Pediatrics reported the incidence of ACL tears in patients ages 6 to 18 increased 2.3% annually over the last 20 years.
A 2015 UHealth national data assessment also showed alarming increases.
According to the experts at UHealth, here are some steps you can take to reduce your child’s risk.
- Take a gradual approach to new sports. (Don’t push too far, too fast.)
- Help your child to become a better athlete overall by not having him/her play the same sport year-round.
- When choosing other sports, encourage sports that cross-train the whole body. (If your child plays a throwing sport one season like softball, consider a sport that uses more lower body the next season, like soccer).