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How Parents and Coaches can Help Prevent Sports Injuries

Many children of all ages play in athletic activities. Some partake in them with their local school, others seek a private club to join or a local initiative. In any case, children are still growing and developing. As such, when they are injured it can affect how they grow and develop later on in life. While it is impossible to completely prevent children from sports injuries, it is possible to help prevent some of them.

Podiatrists treat sports injuries regularly. These injuries can range from simple sprains to broken bones. The feet and the ankles are constantly used when partaking in athletics and are usually one of the first parts of the body to receive an injury. As a parent or a coach, following a few simple tips can help prevent your child or team from unwanted sports injuries.

  • Group children by their skill level. Also group them by their body size. Using age is very common but not all children are built equally. If there is a smaller child who is 10 with many other larger 10 and 11-year olds, it is very likely that he or she will receive a sports injury easier.
  • Match children to the sport. Do not push them into any specific sport. If they are unable to play because it is too hard or do not like the sport than they could end up injured.
  • When looking to enter a child into a sport, look for a coach or trainer who is certified as an athletic trainer. These individuals are highly trained in coaching and training and know the best ways to keep your child in the game safely.
  • Make sure your child is cleared by his or her physician before partaking in sports. This will help prevent injuries from underlying conditions.
  • If a child is injured, do not let them play. Their injury can become more severe and worsen.
  • If a child is injured playing in a sport get immediate medical attention.
  • Be sure that your environment is safe for the sport at hand. A rocky field is not a proper place for soccer and an icy pond isn’t ideal for basketball.

Sports can be a real enjoyable activity. The danger that they naturally have is also very real. The use of best practices and safety equipment is very important when playing sports.

Do you plan on coaching a sports team? Not sure about the best practices for foot health? Call Syracuse Podiatry located in Fayetteville in Central New York. Foot care specialist Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico will teach you about sports injuries and the best way to prevent them. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today. Sports injuries can be serious, and we are serious about their prevention.

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