Lakewood, NJ - During
National Youth Sports Week, it is important to recognize
the many benefits and dangers associated with playing sports.
Young athletes, parents and coaches need to be aware
of injuries and the proper ways to treat and prevent them
both on and off the field.
The most common sports injuries are strains and sprains. A
sprain is a stretched or torn ligament and most often occurs
in the ankle or wrist. A strain is a stretched or torn
muscle or tendon, and most often occurs in the back or in
the hamstring muscle in the back of the leg. Both of
these injuries can occur suddenly, however strains can develop
over time.
Young athletes and their injuries must be treated much differently
than adult injuries. During a child’s growth spurts,
young athletes become more prone to injury because their
bones grow at a much faster rate than their tendons do. The
increasing demands of participation in organized sports may
cause some youths to overuse parts of their bodies, which
could lead to big problems later on including conditions
such as Little-Leaguer’s elbow and shin splints, which
are common injuries to a growing athlete.
“Athletes who experience a mild sprain or strain generally
will feel a sore muscle, and they may not want or feel as
though they need to leave the game or take a break from the
practice,” explains James R. Morales, MD, Medical Director
and board-certified sports medicine specialist at the Center
for Rehabilitation Services at Kimball Medical Center. “However,
it is important to take the athlete off the field and have
him or her rest for fifteen minutes. Before sending
the athlete back onto the field, coaches, parents and/or
trainers should check their range of motion with the affected
limb,” he explains.
If swelling, pain or stiffness occurs, Dr. Morales recommends
the athlete should be treated immediately using the RICE
method (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation), the affected
limb should be splinted, and the athlete should be sent to
the nearest Emergency Room.
To help prevent sprains and strains, Dr. Morales recommends
eating a well balanced diet to keep muscles strong, maintain
a healthy weight, wear well-fitted shoes appropriate for
playing sports such as sneakers or cleats, and warm up and
stretch your muscles before participating in any sport or
exercising.
“Playing sports is a great way to keep your body healthy
and active. Taking the appropriate precautions and
preparing your body for sports activities is the best way
to keep you safe and in the game,” says Dr. Morales.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Morales in his Howell
or Toms River offices, or for further information about Rehabilitation
Services at Kimball Medical Center, please call the Barnabas Health Care Link at 1-888-724-7123. Kimball’s
Institute for Rehabilitative and Occupational Health Services
is located on the Kimball Campus at 500 River Avenue in Lakewood.
Date: July 7, 2009
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@barnabashealth.org
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