Preventing Common Fall Sports Injuries

Fall has arrived, which means school sports are in full swing. But with this arrival comes the increased risk for injury. More than 2.6 million children between the ages of 0 and 19 are treated in the emergency department each year for sports and recreation-related injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Luckily, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of common sports-related injuries we regularly treat at CareWell Urgent Care – these include including sprains, strains and soft-tissue injuries.

Wear Proper Gear

Whether your child is a football, soccer or field hockey player, the first step in reducing the risk of injury is to ensure that proper protective gear is worn. Because football is a contact sport, it is the leading cause of school sports injuries. Football players must wear helmets that meet the safety standards developed by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE). Helmets should have a hard plastic outer shell, a thick layer of padding, a rigid face mask and a chin strap. Shoulder and leg pads should also be worn, in addition to a mouth guard.

For soccer and field hockey players, shin guards are crucial, as lower leg injuries are common. Shin guards should fit the child's leg firmly around the shin and ankle bone, with little wiggle room. Gloves should also be considered for soccer goalies and field hockey players to protect the hands and reduce the risk of broken fingers. Unique to field hockey, high school players are required to wear eye protection made of either caged steel or plastic and mouth guards, and masks may be worn by defenders to prevent facial injuries.

Inspect the Field

Before every practice and game, make sure the playing field is clear of debris, bumps, ruts and holes, which often lead to sprains. When it comes to soccer and field hockey, inspect the goal posts to ensure that the ground pegs and sand bags are firmly tied down.

Warm Up & Stretch

Some of the most common fall sports injuries include muscle strains, sprained ankle and knee injuries, including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. That's why it's so important to warm up and stretch before each practice and game. A light jog paired with simple stretches at least 30 minutes prior can make all the difference and lead to better range of motion and oxygenated muscles.

No matter how prepared you and your child may be, injuries are bound to happen. Should your child become injured during play, immediately remove them from the game and assess the damage. Depending on the severity of the injury, consult with your doctor or sports therapist. For serious but not life threatening injuries, urgent care is an excellent resource, given its extended hours and affordability. Plus, urgent care centers like CareWell Urgent Care in Somerville are equipped to handle common sports injuries and work directly with your doctor, so you can get back into the game ASAP.