Introduction
The most common epidemics that a pediatric practitioner faces these days are injuries in children related to sports and obesity in children. Recent studies have shown that most of the children are not as active as required for their age, leading to obesity and less physical activity in them. The pediatricians now suggest parents get their children involved in many physical activities involving different sports. Thus, by focusing on physical activities for the children, there is a lot of competitiveness and participation of children in sports of different levels. The number of athletes of the young generation has increased significantly in the past four decades. This increased participation in sports and free play has predisposed the children to various sports injuries such as patellofemoral knee pain, juvenile osteochondritis dissecans, and stress fractures.
Although pediatricians have focussed on educating and providing adequate knowledge about preventing sports injuries in young athletes, little can be done to prevent injuries during physical activities in children, primarily those under 12 years. Several research studies have been conducted on high school athletes and injuries, education, and prevention. Still, the data for injuries in skeletally immature children is little to be found.
Impact of injury
These injuries have caused a serious impact on the children both physically and emotionally. These injuries have proven to have long-term sequelae on children's mental health. The increased competitiveness among children has led to increased sports injuries that are severe in nature.
Participation in Sports
Participating in sports may benefit the children psychologically by increasing their self-esteem and enjoyment and making them physically active. If the participation is not involved, the sports may lead to rivalry and decrease the child's confidence.
Steps to Prevent Sports Injury
Injury rates have, however, been reduced because of the preventive measures and increased awareness among parents and children at school by the pediatrician. Safety protocols are being followed and more incorporated in sports involving children taking care of the injuries that might occur during the performance. Examinations conducted preseasonally are effective in verifying any previous injury or state of healing of the injury and fitness of the children to participate in a particular sport. The pediatricians and the physicians use effective programs and rehabilitation programs for preseasonal examination of the children participating in sports in the particular year.
What Are the Different Types of Sports Injuries?
There are two types of sports injuries:
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Macro trauma or acute trauma.
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Repetitive injuries cause microtrauma, such as overuse.
Mactrotrauma is caused by a sudden or acute injury such as a fall, a blow, or a collision. This macro trauma can result in fracture of bones or axial skeleton, sprain caused in any ligament or strain on tendons, and contusion on muscle tendon or the skin overlying these tendons.
Micro trauma is caused by repetitive injuries to a muscle or tendon multiple times, such as tendonitis. Bursitis or osteochondral injuries of the joint.
What Are the Factors Causing Sports Injuries?
Certain factors are responsible for frequent sports injuries, such as:
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Not being adequately educated.
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Inadequate physical examination before participation.
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Inappropriate field.
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Errors in training.
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Lack of safety equipment.
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Overtired and playing while injured.
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Lack of proper grouping of teams.
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Inadequate nutrition.
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Inexperienced supervisors.
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Stress, including weather.
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Growth of the children.
Every child athlete has risk factors, and every sport involves specific risks and injuries. The vital risk factor in sports is often the equipment involved. If the training hours are longer, then the risk of injuries increases. It has been shown that athletes who train for more than 16 hours a week are more prone to backaches. Likewise, a bowler who throws more than 300 skilled throws weekly is likelier to sustain elbow injuries.
How Can Sports Injuries Be Prevented?
Before taking preventive measures in particular sports, the frequent types of injury involved with that particular sport are to be studied. More than half of the injuries that are caused during any particular sport are preventable. Specific preventive measures are to be taken for any sports injury:
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The trainer or the coach should educate the participant on general fitness exercises. The young athlete should be trained for the essential fitness exercise and educated about the necessity of the exercise before participation. The general exercise is also important to develop basic skills to master that sport.
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It is essential that a child participates in multiple sports rather than getting involved only in one specific field.
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Preseason training is essential. It is necessary to start training the young athlete one or two months before the sports season.
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In case of repetitive or overuse injury, it is important to encourage the children to play. The parent or the coach should regulate the intensity of playing that sport.
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The rules should be different for younger athletes and an adult sportsman. Softball should be included, and the period of the play should be kept small.
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Warm-up sessions before the sports and cool-down sessions after playing should be mandatory.
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The pretraining examinations should be conducted before the season of the actual sport.
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Safety devices such as helmets, pads, and gloves should always be worn while playing.
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Wear proper and comfortable shoes that are appropriate for the sports.
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The playing surface should be safe and reduce the impact of any injury due to fall.
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Time should be taken to increase the activity gradually so that the muscles are not overused.
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Rules should be strictly enforced and followed to prevent injuries.
Conclusion
Sports injuries are a problem for children and affect society also. Educating young athletes, high school children, and parents is essential. Prevention programs are conducted and should be emphasized, but the need for recognition and administration hampers the benefits that these programs could bring. An effective program for sports injury prevention requires professional trainers, education, follow-up, and a proper evaluation of each sport and the risks involved with these sports.
