It pays to be prepared for inevitable injuries confronting young athletes
IT IS inevitable there will be times in a young athlete’s life, whether it be at training or competition, they will injure themselves.
Whether this injury is quickly dealt with or it becomes chronic is generally in the parents’ hands.
Injuries don’t only happen in contact sports, kids can get sore in all sorts of sports for all sorts of reasons. Injuries can vary from an actual incident such as a sprained or torn ligament, broken bones or concussion, but also over use or just a gradual build up. So, as a parent, what do you do?
At most competitions a “first aider” should be present and available to help manage the acute or traumatic injuries. The “first aiders” have usually had training on how to manage an acute injury and help with the next step.
For example, should your child go to hospital, or are they OK to go home and have basic “first aid?” It is when the parent gets the athlete home, that it is essential to know what the next steps are.
RICER is the normal treatment. Rest – it’s important to let the area heal and settle. Ice – should be applied for at least 48 hours – and every 45 minutes for around 15-20 minutes. A bag of frozen peas in a tea towel is ideal as it moulds around any injury spot. Compression – to reduce any swelling). Elevate – above the heart is best. And lastly, Referral – to the best person to start the best course of action for complete recovery. This may be a hospital emergency department for X-rays or scans, your local GP for referral to a specialist, or a good sports physiotherapist.
With concussion, medical diagnosis is a must. Undoubtedly, the athlete will be informed that they are unable to play for a period of time.
Recently a few of the athletes I coach have hurt themselves.
My initial response is rest and ice.
One of the most common injuries in the 10 to 14-year-old age group are growth plate injuries. Consulting a physiotherapist or doctor is the best bet here.
In an ideal world, injuries wouldn’t happen. But in sport, they will, so as the Scouts say “be prepared” … have a plan.