Common Sports Injuries in Children

Common Sports Injuries in Children

Sports injuries can happen to even the healthiest kids. Know how to handle them!sports injuries

You want to protect your child from injuries whenever possible but it can be a bit more difficult when they are out on that field. In the heat of the game a lot can happen. Our Kennesaw, GA, pediatrician, Dr. Kola Ologunja, has seen a lot of injuries over the years including:

  • Cuts and scrapes
  • Sprains and strains
  • Stress fractures and tendonitis (overuse injuries)
  • Dislocations
  • Concussions
  • Back injuries

While more minor problems like sprain and strains can be treated with at-home options like the RICE method (rest, ice, compression and elevation), it’s important to visit your child’s doctor in Kennesaw if they sustain an injury while playing sports. Everything from dental injuries to concussions is serious and getting treatment as soon as possible is imperative to preventing further complications (your little one doesn’t want to spend more time being benched then they need to be).

There are many things that can be done to prevent injuries such as:

  • Properly warming-up the body with conditioning and dynamic stretching
  • Wearing helmets to prevent concussions
  • Always wearing a mouthguard to protect teeth and gums
  • Wearing shin guards, elbow guards and other protective padding to prevent damage to soft tissue and to protect the bones
  • Sporting appropriate and supportive footwear for the specific sport

When should my child see a doctor for a sports-related injury?

If your child has been injured during practice or during a game it’s always a good idea to give us a call. In some instances, we may just ask parents to monitor their child for any changes and only bring them in if symptoms get worse. Of course, if you suspect that your child has gotten a concussion, has a broken bone or a dislocation then immediate care is necessary. While it might seem obvious, serious injuries should always receive urgent treatment. Of course, if minor symptoms don’t go away with rest, icing or other at-home treatment then it’s time to get a medical expert’s opinion. If their symptoms are also affecting their activities then it’s a good time to make an appointment.

Do you need to schedule your child’s next physical? Have questions about keeping your child protected? Then call Spectrum Pediatric Group in Kennesaw, GA, today!