Youth Sport Injuries
With growing awareness of health benefits, as well as the competitive nature and enjoyment experienced through these physical activities, participation in youth sports has increased throughout the years. In 2000 the U.S. Census Bureau reported that 30.6 percent of children ages 6 to 11 participated in sports, and 37.2 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds. In 2003 the numbers increased to 36.2 percent and 41.8 percent, respectively.
With the increase in numbers comes an increase in injuries. According to SAFE Kids USA, "children ages 5 to 14 account for nearly 40 percent of all sports-related injuries treated in hospital emergency departments."
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Statistics
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As children get older, the intensity and competitive nature of sports increases and injuries tend to be more severe. SAFE KIDS USA reports that 3.5 million children 14 and under receive medical treatment for sports injuries each year.
Children are more likely to become injured with contact sports. In 2002 SAFE KIDS USA reported that children between the ages of 5 to 14 were treated in hospital emergency rooms for sports-related injuries. Basketball marked the highest number of visits with 207,400 injuries. Football-related injuries tallied the second highest with 187,800. At 116,900 injuries baseball and softball placed third on the list, however this contact sport reported the most fatal injuries. Soccer-related injuries were listed fourth with 76,200, and gymnastics was fifth with 21,200 injuries.
Types
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Acute and chronic injuries occur more often during practice than in game situations. The most common injuries include sprains, strains, contusions and fractures. Sprains happen as a result from overstretching or tearing a ligament. Strains are usually caused by over-stretching or pulling a muscle or tendon. Contusions are not fractures, but injuries to the tissues that are usually called bruises. Fractures fall under the category of broken bones. During summer sports, kids may also suffer from heat stroke, dehydration and heat exhaustion.
Contact Sports
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Children are more likely to become injured with contact sports. In 2002 SAFE KIDS USA reported that children between the ages of 5 to 14 were treated in hospital emergency rooms for sports-related injuries. Basketball marked the highest number of visits with 207,400 injuries. Football-related injuries tallied the second highest with 187,800. At 116,900 injuries baseball and softball placed third on the list, however this contact sport reported the most fatal injuries. Soccer-related injuries were listed fourth with 76,200, and gymnastics was fifth with 21,200 injuries.
Prevention/Solution
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Safety gear and proper athletic equipment for the respective sport are essential to preventing injury.
Properly warming up the muscles and stretching before practice and games helps increase flexibility and reduce incidents such as overuse injuries. During summer sports children must receive frequent rest periods and plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Treatment
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The National Athletic Trainer's Association (NATA) suggests seeking medical attention first in order to insure that the injury is not serious. NATA then recommends conventional treatment such as resting the injury, icing it for 15 to 20 minutes, using a compression device such as a wrap or a bandage, and elevating the injury to reduce swelling and help aid the healing process.
Alternative approaches utilize Eastern philosophy practices, such as herbal remedies like vitamins or cleansing teas; applying balms; deep stretches and exercises such as yoga and meditation; and hands-on processes such as acupuncture.
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