Seeing your child play on the field with their team is a thrilling experience for many parents. However, as a parent, you should also be aware of the risks involved with your kid’s chosen sport. Some sports have higher risks of injury than others, so it’s a good idea to consider this information before signing up. Here’s what to know.
Are Sports Really That Dangerous?
School sports are a major part of growing up in the US, but there are associated risks of injury that you should be aware of. After all, with over three and a half million children experiencing injuries each year from sports or recreational activities, knowing what the risks are can help you protect your child against them. Here are some of the leading offenders in sports injury for kids.
1.Football
Football is by far the school sport with the highest risk of injury. It is estimated that each year there are around half a million injuries in high school football alone. Another 200,000 or so injuries occur in kids aged 5 to 14 who play school football.
2.Basketball
Basketball is another school sport responsible for injury. Around 170,000 children up to 14 are sent to the emergency room or urgent care clinic from basketball injuries.
3.Baseball/Softball
While not as risky as the previous two sports, baseball and softball are responsible for more than 100,000 emergency room injuries in children 5-14 years old. Additionally, baseball injuries tend to be more life-threatening than other sports; three to four kids are killed each year by baseball injuries.
4.Soccer
Soccer-related injuries send around 90,000 kids each year to the hospital for treatment. The most common soccer injuries are sprains and strains of the knee and ankle. Unintentional collisions also cause urgent care-worthy lacerations, bruising, and head injuries.
5.Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is not as common as other school sports, but there are still around 20,000 kids injured each year.
Other Sports and Activities with a High Risk of Injury
It’s not just school sports you should be aware of. Here are a few other activities to monitor:
- Skateboarding
- Sledding/Tobogganing
- Trampolines-
- Skiing/Snowboarding
- Roller Skating/Blading
Why Should I Know the Risk?
Knowing the risks that different school sports pose for children will help you and your child make the best decision when it comes to picking a sport. Not to mention, you’ll be able to better help your child stay protected against potential injury by taking precautions and making sure protective gear is worn at all times.
If your child is injured during a school sport, visit an urgent care center for prompt, same-day treatment without the wait of an ER.
School sport injuries are sudden and happen without notice. Make sure you take your child to AFC Urgent Care South Plainfield today to ensure that your child receives prompt medical attention to address injuries ASAP!
