Why do kids seem to get injured more than adults?
Children are often very active, and may take more risks as they play and explore.
Since they’re still growing, they may also be more susceptible to injury at their growth plates (soft tissue at the ends of long bones in children and teens).
And with the rise of youth sports, kids are getting injured at rates higher than ever before. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “more than 3.5 million children ages 14 and younger get hurt annually playing sports or participating in recreational activities.”
Injury Prevention
The best way to treat an injury is often to prevent it and is especially true for childhood sports injuries.
If your child is getting ready to start a sport in the fall, make sure that they get active this summer! The CDC recommends at least an hour of activity per day for school-aged children.
What are some of our favorite ideas? Stop by the beach or neighborhood pool, encourage trips to the local playground, or set up a volleyball net in the backyard. Summer camps can also be an excellent way to keep kids active. Or visit your local park district website for trails and activities near you.
In addition to helping your child gear up for sports season, encouraging them to get active can have lifelong benefits. “Children and young adults who exercise regularly are more likely to seek physical activity and fitness throughout their lifespan,” says Christopher Bergland at Psychology Today. Childhood exercise can also promote healthy body weight, increase bone density, and improve brain function and mood.
What else should you check off the list before dropping your child off on the first day of practice? Always have your child get a physical before the start of a new sports season. Examinations are often required for school sports, but may not be for recreational leagues. However, getting a physical is vital for discovering asthma, a low level of fitness, or other health conditions that will affect how they participate in sports.
Caring for Childhood Injuries
Whether your child trips over a soccer ball or breaks an arm falling, childhood injuries can be scary. And it’s up to you, the parent, to figure out how to treat them.
So when does your child need medical attention? When is the ER necessary, and when is it better to visit your family medicine provider? If your child has a minor injury, what are the best ways to care for them at home? Here’s our guide.
Remember, always reach out to your medical provider with any concerns about your child’s health. Treating injuries quickly can be vital for recovery.
Taking Your Child to the ER
Sometimes, injuries require immediate attention.
If the injury is visible to the naked eye (for example, a bone that appears broken), take them in immediately. The same goes for injuries that your child cannot put weight on or intense injury pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter medication.
Visiting Your Family Medicine Practitioner
If your child’s injury is less severe, visiting your family medicine practitioner is a good option.
Visiting a clinic typically has much lower costs and wait times than an emergency room.
Thinking about urgent care? If your child needs care outside of clinic hours, this may be a good option. However, if you can get in to see your family medicine provider within a day or two, this is often a better option than urgent care. Your family medicine provider is more familiar with your child’s medical history, helping speed diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Toughing it Out
If your child suffers a minor injury, they may not need special medical care.
But minor injuries can be miserable too. How can you make your child comfortable and promote healing? For ideas, check out this WebMD collection of first aid tips.
But remember, if your child is in significant distress, if their pain or injury worsens, or if you have any questions about their injury, reach out to your medical provider! There are no “dumb” questions, and they’ll help you get your child the care they need.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Is your child injured? Schedule an appointment with a family medicine practitioner today! Our family medicine physicians see patients at our Maple Grove, Osseo, and Plymouth locations. We’re dedicated to providing caring, compassionate care for all ages and stages.
Call (763) 587-7999 to schedule an appointment, or use our easy online appointment request form!