Sports Injuries

Play smart¹

• Keep sports fun and age-appropriate.

• Help skills and muscles develop through different kinds of activities.

• Make sure your child has rest days between practices, games, and other events. Plan a break for them between seasons so they have time to recover.

• Schedule a physical exam for your child before the season starts.

Know the signs

“Overuse injuries” happen when bones, muscles, and other body parts are used too much without time to heal. Signs your child may have an overuse injury include²:

• Pain that often increases with activity and decreases with rest

• Swelling

• Changes in form or technique

• Decreased performance in the sport

• Less interest in going to practice

Talk to a healthcare professional right away if your child³:

• Can’t put weight on a body part

• Has trouble breathing

• Has dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache

• Loses feeling in fingers or toes

Remember R.I.C.E.³

For many strains and sprains, they can be treated with RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation):

• Rest is needed from their regular activities. Have your child keep weight off the injury.

• Ice the injured area for 15-20 minutes, several times a day.

• Compress the injured area with an elastic wrap, a boot, or a splint to reduce swelling.

• Elevate the injured area above the heart to further reduce swelling.

TYLENOL® and MOTRIN® are two over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers available. Use products only as directed and talk to your doctor about whether these medicines are right for your child’s specific pain.