How Can I Prevent My Child From Getting Injured While Playing Sports?

19 Feb How Can I Prevent My Child From Getting Injured While Playing Sports?

Plainview Pediatrics

Watching their child compete in sports brings joy to many parents. However, joy will quickly turn to worry when an injury takes place on the field. At Pediatric Associates of Plainview, our center for Plainview pediatrics, we understand and respect the need for parents to protect their children. While injuries are unavoidable at times, there are ways to mitigate the chances of one occurring. Our staff of pediatricians would like to share some preventative methods, so you can do everything in your power to keep your child safe.

Feed Them A Healthy Diet

A healthy diet will help your child in all aspects of life, and sports are no exception. Consuming sufficient amounts of protein will help their muscles recover after a game or practice. Foods rich in carbohydrates will keep your child’s energy levels up and limit the chances of them over-exerting themselves. Additionally, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will help keep their weight in check, reducing the pressure placed on weight-bearing body parts and lowering the risk of injury.

Keep Them Hydrated 

After your child has partaken in either a game or practice, you must make sure they replenish any fluids they lost during physical activity. Failure to do so may leave them dehydrated. Issues that can arise as a result of dehydration include the following:

• Muscle cramps and spasms.
• Spells of dizziness.
• Fainting.  

Purchase The Right Equipment

Before your child ever steps foot on the court or field, they’ll need to be wearing the right equipment. Make sure any protective gear, such as pads or helmets, that are required for their sport have been purchased and fit correctly. Footwear is also of the utmost importance. Whether it be cleats or sneakers, make sure they fit snuggly to avoid their feet sliding around on the inside of the shoe, but not tight enough to cut off circulation. They also need to offer proper ankle and arch support to avoid sprains.

Have Them Cross-Train 

As your child continues to age, their sports will become more competitive, increasing the strain placed on their body. If they are not properly conditioned, the risk of injury greatly increases. One way to make sure they are always in game-shape is to have them cross-train and participate in other sports during the offseason. This ensures they are not putting repeated stress on the same group of muscles, and helps the entire body remain active and strong throughout the year. 

Plainview Pediatrics at Pediatric Associates of Plainview

Allowing your child to compete in sports will have many benefits. Sports help keep children in shape as well as boost their self-confidence. However, due to the rigor of many sports, the risk of injury is always present. At Pediatric Associates of Plainview, our center for Plainview pediatrics, we want all of our patients to remain healthy and active. To help avoid severe sports injuries, parents can take preventative measures to ensure the safety of their children. If you’d like to learn more ways to ward off injuries for your children and keep them healthy, be sure to contact us today!