When your children are involved in athletics, it seems like you are all constantly on the go. From games, to camps, to practices, they are always in motion—and you are too, chauffeur!

But what would happen if your child suddenly got hurt while on the field or court and everything came to a standstill? Our AFC Urgent Care TN team sees sports injuries all the time, and we can help your child back on the path to wellness.

Are Certain Sports More Injury-Prone?

When it comes to the rate at which sports injuries occur, high-contact sports like football, rugby and basketball usually make the top of every list. While it is true that these types of competitive sports come with a higher risk of injury, low-contact or even no-contact sports also carry risk.

Believe it or not, bowling causes around 700 reported injuries every year in high school bowling leagues around the country! Whenever your child is active, the risk of injury is higher. There are some categories of injury that we see more commonly.

Types of Sports Injuries

• Sprains and strains: Pivoting and twisting quickly causes these, like basketball or football.
• Overuse injuries: Any time a sport requires consistent, repetitive motion, these injuries are common. Golfers and baseball/softball pitchers are at high risk of overuse injuries.
• Stress fractures: When your muscle can no longer support the bone, fractures occur along it. Constant strain on your legs causes these often from runners or track athletes.
• Head or neck: Injuries concerning the neck and head always need to be evaluated as they can be very serious.

Is It Possible for Kids to Avoid Injuries in Sports?

Unfortunately, we cannot always guarantee our children’s safety when they are participating in sports. However, there are some simple steps to take to help reduce the risk! Come to one of our TN locations to be evaluated for a sports physical to ensure your child is healthy enough to play.

You can also encourage other small things like staying hydrated and eating a varied and colorful diet. If your child’s body is functioning at its optimal level, it can help protect him or her from injury. Before taking the court or field, your child should have on sport-specific safety equipment and understand proper form and technique. Finally, a proper warmup before the activity and lengthy cool-down afterward can increase flexibility and give your child’s muscles the ability to recover more easily.

Quick Healing Tips

• Practice the RICE method—Rest your body, Ice the affected area, Compress the injury and Elevate it.
• Watch for the development of any severe or changing symptoms, like a fever or bruise that suddenly gets larger.
• Come to one of our centers for an X-ray if you are concerned about any internal damages.
  

Did your child recently suffer a sports-related injury? Visit one of our AFC Urgent Care TN locations to get an X-ray—no appointment necessary!