Sports Injury

What is a sports injury?

Sports injuries aren’t always preventable and typically require immediate treatment to help your child properly heal and recover. It’s common for sports injuries to happen during organized sports, exercise, or other activities involving sudden movements or physical exertion.

Without prompt care, the injury can impact your child’s functioning. It might result in instability, muscle weakness, pain, or numbness in one or more regions. In most cases, your child will feel severe pain abruptly, and the location of the injury swells up right away.

What are some of the most common types of sports injuries?

Newtown Pediatrics assesses your child’s injury and may order X-ray imaging and other tests to determine the severity of their condition.

Some of the most common types of sports injuries are:

Sprains and strains

Sprains and strains happen when muscles, ligaments, or tendons stretch beyond their capacity or tear entirely.

Dislocations

Dislocations happen at the joints, where two bones meet. They usually occur when the joint falls out of place because of impact or force.

Fractures

A fracture is another word for a broken bone. Fractures range from tiny cracks in the bone to complete breaks into multiple pieces.

Burns and lacerations

Burns and lacerations involve damage to your child’s skin. Burns can come from chemicals or heat, while lacerations typically come from sharp objects.

How can my child’s sports injury improve?

Taking the right steps as soon as your child obtains an injury can make professional treatment more comfortable and successful. You should immobilize the area right away. Depending on the type of injury they have, you may need to apply ice or elevate the body part to minimize swelling.

Newtown Pediatrics recommends treatment for your child’s sports injury to restore their functioning and relieve pain. Treatment depends on the type of injury they have and its extent. Possible treatments include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Stitches
• Casts
• Braces
• Rest and home care

They might also request that you return for one or more follow-up appointments to track your child’s healing progress. Newtown Pediatrics can address any new and unforeseen complications that arise with your child’s sports injury.

How can my child prevent sports injuries?

Taking preventive measures can reduce your child’s chances of future injuries. If they play in an organized sports team, they should properly use any required equipment, like helmets, padding, mouth guards, and more. They should also stretch to warm up before exercising.

With compassionate sports medicine from Newton Pediatrics, you can help your child regain their ability to play sports and participate in their favorite activities. Call the nearest office to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online today.