HANDLING INJURIES: by Pat McInally, Director of PacifiCare's GoodSports Program
So, Mom and Dad, that dreaded moment is here. Your child has been hurt.
What do you do?
Do you encourage him to dust himself off and get back in the game?
Do you run onto the field, hug him and have him sit out?
Do you just sit back, however apprehensively, and see what the coach thinks should be done?
Even though injured gladiators have been cheered for thousands of years, the PopWarner/GoodSports credo is simple: Kids Shouldn't Play Hurt! But, even with that basic rule in place, every parent should have some basic knowledge about sports injuries and what to do about them – and how to prevent them. This is so crucial because, unfortunately, very few youth teams have an athletic trainer or team physician and, remember,, the coaches are volunteers, not professionals prepared to make many safety or sports medicine decisions.
Here are two ways for moms and dads to be prepared:
• Knowing what to do in case of injury, both major and minor.
• Knowing the steps that can help avoid injuries.
The first what-to-know issue for a parent is where to take a child if an injury occurs. Remember that all injuries are unexpected, but that if treatment is needed you should be ready. Since youth sport events are typically held in your own neighborhood, you're probably already familiar with the area. But make a mental note of where the nearest urgent care center is, as well as the nearest hospital.
Parents should also know which injuries warrant professional medical attention. Some examples:
Any head injury resulting in loss of consciousness, severe pain, dizziness, nausea, loss of balance, or changes in mental state.
Any laceration likely to require stitches.
Any injury to the lower extremity (pelvis down to feet) that creates difficulty or inability to walk.
Any injury to the upper extremity (shoulder to hand) that creates inability to use the limb properly.
Injuries to the chest resulting in persistent pain or difficulty breathing.
Injuries to the abdomen resulting in persistent pain.
Injuries to the head or neck that cause persistent neck pain and numbness, weakness or tingling in the arms and hands.
Injuries to the back causing persistent pain and numbness, weakness or tingling in the legs and feet.
Weakness, dizziness, chest pains, shortness of breath, or passing out that occurs during exertion.
Although minor cuts, bumps and bruises are, in general, easily treatable, parents should always watch for any continuing problems and be ready to take their child to a doctor:
If there is severe pain. Everyone's threshold of pain is different, but pain is a very good indication that something is wrong. A doctor should examine any injury that causes severe pain.
If pain persists. Whenever pain persists for more than two weeks, especially in joints or bones, a medical exam is needed.
If there is a joint injury. A physician should examine all injuries to joints or ligaments. If not treated quickly, joint injuries have the potential to become permanent disabilities.
If there is a loss of function. If an athlete cannot move a limb, or if the range of motion is severely limited, see a physician immediately.
If the injury doesn't heal. Minor injuries should heal. Any injury that doesn't heal should be checked for structural abnormality.
If there's an infection. A doctor should treat any infection in or under the skin manifested by pus, red streaks, swollen lymph nodes or fever.
The final major point is this: Knowing what to do when your child is injured is not enough. Don't overlook prevention.
Parents can help their children avoid many injuries. Tell them to warm up each and every time they work out. Make sure they wear appropriate protective gear. Make sure they eat the kind of diet that will give them enough fluids, energy and minerals to sustain them during intense exercise.
Work with your child on the conditioning they will need for the activities they'll be undertaking and make sure they rest and recover between workouts. Don't allow a child to return to play too soon after an injury because he or she could suffer a more serious injury the second time around. And, finally, avoid mental burnout and overuse injuries by having young athletes take time off between seasons and having them play a variety of sports before specializing at a later age.
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