How to Prevent the Most Common Back-to-School Injuries?
When kids go back to school, it can be a time of excitement as they get to see friends and return to their favorite after-school activities. But with this comes an increased risk of back-to-school injuries.
What is the association between going back to school and increased injuries? This article will address common injuries, and how to prevent them so your child is safe this school year.
What are the Most Common Back-to-School Injuries?
Ankle injuries
Ankle injuries are common in children. Whether running in gym class or jumping off playground equipment, they can easily sprain or twist an ankle. They are also common in certain high-school sports, such as gymnastics and basketball. It is easy for children to sustain an ankle injury once they return to school athletics and activities.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are all too common in students that play high-impact sports such as football and hockey. Concussions can easily occur during a tackle or taking a slam into the boards. Younger children are also at risk if they run into each other while playing a game or bump their heads on playground equipment. Unfortunately, many are unaware of the seriousness of a concussion until it is too late, so taking steps to prevent them in the first place is critical.
Knee Injuries
Many children get scrapes and bruises on their knees from playing on the playground. But serious knee injuries can occur, especially when playing sports. These can often happen when children do not do proper warm-up exercises before playing. Of course, they are also at risk when participating in their sport.
Knees are complex, composed of muscles, bones, cartilage, and tendons that can easily be injured. Unfortunately, if a knee injury occurs, it can take the athlete out of the game for the duration of the season.
How Can You Prevent Back-to-School Injuries?
Most likely, you may not have considered discussing back-to-school injuries with your child. But it is an important time to talk to them about safety. With all the back-to-school excitement, they may be at risk for falls on the playground or not as attentive to safety when playing sports.
Encourage Safety on the Playground
Playground accidents are a common reason children end up in the emergency room for an injury. Falls are very common so encourage your child to be mindful and discourage jumping from equipment or any other activity that can increase fall risks.
Adult supervision of children on the playground plays a substantial role in reducing fall risk. Faculty members and parent volunteers can help by enforcing school playground safety rules.
Practice Safety With Sports
Middle and high schoolers should be encouraged to follow all necessary safety guidelines regarding the sports they play. It is not just the parents' responsibility but also the coaches to ensure children have proper protective equipment.
Safety during the game is also essential in preventing injuries. If there is ever concern about safety during the game, bring your concerns to the coach. By sharing the concerns you observe, you can help keep all athletes safe on the field.
If my child sustains an injury, where can I find orthopedics near me?
Pinnacle Orthopedics uses up-to-date technology with surgical techniques to provide patients with the best quality orthopedic care. We treat various orthopedic issues, including hand, foot, and ankle, traumas and fractures, joint replacement and reconstruction, and sports medicine.
We also offer physical therapy services at our clinics, so continue your recovery journey with us from beginning to end.
We have five convenient locations to serve you. Visit us Today:
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.