Avoid Sports Injury

The number of sports activities available for children and adults seems to be growing all the time. The good news is that participating in sports isn't just fun; it can also develop fitness and coordination. The bad news is that with any sport, injuries can happen. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, however, up to half of all sports injuries may be preventable - if you take precautions both before and during participation.

Sports training

Different sports require different types of training. But the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) says there are some pre-sport precautions that apply in most cases:

• Talk with your doctor, especially before starting a new sport activity. A physical exam can spot potential problems or weaknesses that may affect your participation.
• Talk with your doctor or a qualified trainer about the types of exercises that can build the strength and flexibility needed for particular sports. Although most sports require a mix of strength, agility, endurance and coordination, the degree of development required in specific areas will vary.
• Warm up before participating in sports with a few minutes of milder activity followed by some stretching. (Read about "Stretching and Health") A coach or trainer can provide proper guidelines.
• Work up to activities gradually.
• Try to avoid being outdoors in the midday sun. If this can't be avoided, make sure you use proper skin protection. (Read about "Sunscreen")

If your children are getting involved in sports, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends checking out the qualifications of the coaches and trainers who'll be working with them. With children, it's also important to avoid any tendency to pressure them too much or insist they get involved in sports they don't enjoy. By using too much pressure, parents may inadvertently create in their children a dislike for sports and exercise that could last a lifetime.

During sports activities

When participating in sports, it's also essential to have all the proper equipment. This includes not just the playing gear, but sport-specific safety gear as well.

Some other guidelines from AAFP include:

• Checking equipment - Make sure both playing gear and safety equipment are in good condition. And make sure all equipment has the right fit, especially for children, since their size and needs may change as they grow from one season to the next. (Read about "Safety Equipment")
• Checking field and weather conditions - Make sure the playing field doesn't have any potential hazards. Take any extreme weather conditions, such as excessive heat or cold, into account.
• Avoiding dehydration and excess fatigue - Both conditions can increase the risk of injury. (Read about "Heat Stroke" "Dehydration")

Finally, it's important to stress the need to follow the rules. Whatever the sport, it may not always be possible to prevent injuries, but taking extra precautions before and during sports can certainly reduce your risk.

Related Information:

    Bone Fractures

    Tendinitis and Bursitis

    Sprains

    Strains

    The Knee

    The Shoulder

    The Spine