Youth Sports Injuries: Safety Tips to Protect Your Child

April is National Youth Sports Safety Month, and OrthoGeorgia is committed to helping children and teens stay healthy while enjoying their favorite sports.

More and more families are participating in youth sports in the United States, with more than 54% of children between 6-17 years old participating in organized sports, according to a recent CDC study. With the growth of youth athletics, parents and coaches need to protect their players with proper safety guidelines and habits.

Check out these four tips to keep your child safe this season:

Tip #1: Have a Preseason Sports Physical

Before your child takes the field, visit your primary care physician for a comprehensive sports physical. Many youth leagues require athletes to undergo a preseason sports physical, but we recommend an exam even if your league doesn’t require it.

During the sports physical, doctors will ensure your child is healthy enough to participate in the sport and can even spot underlying conditions that may pose an increased health risk. This preventative exam can catch heart conditions, joint conditions, and more.

OrthoGeorgia Offers Preseason Health Screenings

The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) requires student athletes to have a preseason health screening before they can take the field. OrthoGeorgia is proud to provide comprehensive preseason sports physicals to students across Middle Georgia.

Trusted by athletes throughout the state, OrthoGeorgia also serves as the exclusive orthopaedic provider for:

• Mercer University
• Fort Valley State University
• Middle Georgia State University
• Georgia Military College

Tip #2: Wear Proper Safety Equipment

Whether your child plays soccer or football, you must ensure their safety equipment fits properly and meets your league’s specifications. While playing with last season’s safety equipment may save on costs, be sure it is still in good condition and can protect your athlete. If it’s worn out or damaged, it’s time to replace it.

Your child’s coach should also be able to help select the proper safety equipment for the season.

Tip #3: Establish Healthy Warm-Up Habits

Youth sports are great because they help kids form healthy habits that can last a lifetime. The same applies to warm-up routines before practice and games.

Be sure your youth athlete stretches and warms up properly before jumping into playing with 100% effort. Warm-ups can be fun, engaging exercises to get the blood flowing, loosen up muscles and joints, and reduce the risk of injury.

Tip #4: Practice Proper Form & Technique 

Youth sports are about having fun, building strong relationships with peers, and mastering the fundamentals of the sport. Ensure your child is practicing proper form and technique in whatever sport they choose.

With proper form, youth athletes can reduce the risk of injury and protect joints. Rest is also crucial in between practices and games to prevent overuse injuries.

OrthoGeorgia Provides Comprehensive Care for Youth Athletes

OrthoGeorgia helps youth athletes stay healthy while they enjoy their favorite sports. If your child experiences an injury, our sports medicine team is committed to helping them get back to playing with full range of motion, strength, endurance, and function they had before the injury.

The OrthoGeorgia physicians, trainers, and therapists collaborate to design a customized sports medicine rehabilitation program for the specific needs of the individual and to promote fitness with a healthy lifestyle.

Choose the Sports Medicine Pros. Call Us at (478) 745-4206 Today!

Disclaimer: The information contained within this material is intended for informational purposes only. No material in this content is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other health care provider with questions regarding your medical conditions and treatment options.