For many children and adults across the country, fall signals a time for sports to start. 

That also means that injuries from sports are also on the rise. Heavy-contact sports, such as football, ramp up on the fall, which does lead to some of the increase in injuries. However, even non-contact sports can result in injuries. 

Preventing Injuries

The best way to treat injuries from sports is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Injury-preventing tactics include stretches and strength-building exercises that target poor posture, weak muscle groups, and overall flexibility.

As an extra precaution, parents can consult with physicians specializing in sports medicine for additional preventative stretches and exercises. These stretches and exercises can be incorporated into the athlete’s daily routine. 

Additionally, parents should check in with their children to make sure they are properly utilizing any safety equipment such as pads or helmets. 

Resting Up

Another important component of injury prevention is getting the adequate amount of rest. Pediatricians recommend at least one day of rest per week, and at least one month of rest per year. This resting period is essential to keep the body performing at its peak level, to avoid injuries from weakness or overuse. 

Common Injuries To Watch For

Unfortunately, not all injuries are preventable, even with the right stretches and safety equipment. Some of the most common sports injuries to be aware of include fractured wrists and forearms, concussions, muscle pulls, and ankle sprains. 

However, not all injuries need to be addressed by a medical professional. Some injuries can heal through rest, ice, compression and elevation at home. Signs that an injury need to be evaluated by a doctor include limbs that are crooked, deformed, swollen severely, or bruised. If your child is unable to bear any weight on the limb, they also need to be seen right away. 

If the injury does not initially seem serious but fails to improve after a couple of weeks of rest, they should also be seen. 

If your child is injured during sports, consider taking him or her to urgent care. Urgent care facilities are usually much quicker and less expensive than an emergency room visit, and it also saves the space in the emergency room for more serious conditions.