There are more young athletes participating in sports today than ever before. Young athletes require specific coaching, conditioning, and medical care.
Coaches and parents have a huge responsibility in carrying and conditioning for young athletes. The need to be able to access early signs of an injury by noticing a limp or holding an arm or shoulder an unusual way. Young athletes should be conditioned and physically fit before participating in any sport. They need to improve muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Coaches and parents have additional responsibilities beyond conditioning these young people, they must make sure that there is a positive atmosphere that encourages self-reliance, confidence, trust, respect, and a positive self-image.
Most sports injuries are minor and include sprains, strains, and contusions.
A sprain is a stretch or tear in a ligament. Sprains usually happen when a person falls or is hit in a way that forces the body out of its normal position. While a strain is a stretch or tear in a muscle. Strains usually happen when an athlete twists or pulls a muscle or tendon. Symptoms for both strains and sprains are both very similar, pain, swelling, and often times bruising will occur. Contusions often occur from a blunt injury causing bleeding in soft tissue.
Orthopedic/Sportsmedicine Surgeons are specially trained to not only deal with athletic injuries but also young athletes. Orthopedic surgeons provide comprehensive care for sports related injuries and can help return young athletes back to their sport.
Please contact our office if you have any questions.
Florida Sportsmedicine and Orthopaedics, PA
Dr. James Talkington
850-763-0346
