What Age-Related Issues Can PRP Treat?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a revolutionary treatment for many issues, including age-related joint pain and injuries. Read on to learn what other issues PRP can treat as you age.
Helping Your Young Athlete Avoid an Injury
Sports are an excellent way for your child to have fun, form friendships, and get regular exercise to stay healthy. Whether your child plays for their school or is involved in a traveling team, keeping them healthy and uninjured is a crucial aspect of their athletic career.
If you're worried about keeping your child off the injured list, the Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine team has your back.
Dr. Brian Snow and Dr. Jon Thompson are two orthopedic surgeons passionate about helping young athletes stay healthy by offering you and your child prevention tips.
Kids and sports injuries
Growing up playing sports is a fantastic way for your kids to stay in shape and spend time with their friends. Unfortunately, every sport carries a risk of injury, no matter how prepared your child becomes.
Contact sports like football and wrestling carry a higher risk of traumatic injuries. Still, your child can get injured playing almost any sport if they’re not careful. There are various types of injuries related to sports that, include the following:
- Sprains and strains
- Stress fractures
- Concussions
- Torn ligaments
- Tendinitis
Many injuries associated with young athletes are due to overuse. It’s a good idea that your child doesn’t spend all their time playing one sport, as it can lead to specific injuries from constant use of the same areas of their body.
As their parent, you can help your child succeed by providing the guidance they need to excel at sports while minimizing their risk for bodily injury.
Helping your child avoid injury
If you want your child to succeed, there are a couple of things you can do to keep them from getting injured. During the sports season, you must do the following to help your child stay healthy:
Know what gear they need
The proper gear is an essential aspect of any sport. Your child must wear protective equipment during games and practice. Types of sporting gear include helmets, mouthguards, and shoulder pads.
Encourage warming up
Warming up before practice or a game is extremely important to avoid injuries. Stretching and warming up helps your child activate their muscles and get the blood flowing to essential areas of their body they need to excel at their game.
Go over the rules
The rules can make or break your child’s sports experience. Before they go out for the team, ensure your child understands the rules of the game. When your child understands the rules, it helps them avoid injuries by knowing what to expect from other players.
Remind them not to play when it hurts
If your child complains of pain or discomfort during a game or practice, ensure they take a break and allow the trainer to evaluate the issue. Playing through pain can lead to more severe injuries and keep them on the bench while they heal.
Promote strength training
Proper conditioning is critical to preventing injuries in your child. Before they hit the field, help them work on strength training and flexibility to promote a strong, healthy body that’s harder to injure.
Rest and nutrition are key
It’s easy for your child to get so involved in sports that they forget everything, including nutrition and rest. These two aspects of their life are essential to their health and can help them avoid injury.
Nutrition is a crucial aspect of your child’s well-being while playing sports. You should ensure they’re eating enough healthy foods to sustain the physical activity they’re participating in.
Encourage your child to eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plenty of protein. These foods give them the energy they require to make it through every practice, conditioning sessing, and game to help them succeed.
Staying hydrated is another crucial aspect of keeping your young athlete uninjured. Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after their games and practices to avoid dehydration.
Rest is essential, even when your child doesn't think they need it. It’s easy for them to get caught up in the excitement and want to go, go, go. However, their body needs a break to rest and recuperate. Allow your child to rest between games and practices to avoid painful overuse injuries.
If your child has suffered a sports injury, don’t hesitate to call us at one of our three locations in McKinney, Prosper, and Sherman, Texas, to schedule a consultation. You may also request an appointment on the website.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Managing Arthritis in Your Day-to-Day Life
Arthritis is tricky to live with, especially in the later stages — but you can manage pain and stiffness with daily habits and a few lifestyle changes. Read on to learn how to effectively manage arthritis to get back to the activities you love.
Should I Go to the Walk-In Injury Clinic or the ER?
Injuries like fractures or sprains are a real drag, especially when they cut into your busy schedule – but should you go to urgent care or head to the ER? Read on to discover when a walk-in clinic is okay and when the ER is needed for an injury
I Can’t Get Comfortable at Night Because of My Hip Pain
When hip pain strikes, it's hard to deal with — especially when it keeps you from sleeping at night. Keep reading to learn why hip pain worsens at night and what to do for a good night’s sleep.
Can Cartilage Be Repaired?
Cartilage is a component of the body that supports and cushions the bones in the joints — but what happens when you damage it or it wears down? Keep reading to learn if we can repair cartilage damage and what to expect from treatment.
Don’t Live With Shoulder Pain: How Arthroscopy Can Bring Relief
Shoulder pain that interferes with everyday life is a real problem that may require surgery, but what can you expect from an arthroscopy? Please read to learn how a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure stops shoulder pain.