About 30 million children participate in sports in the U.S. every year. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), over 3.5 million of these young athletes get injured. While many injuries heal with no lingering damage, others can cause long-term impairments. Experienced Texas child injury lawyers encourage parents, coaches, and fans to watch out for the most common types of childhood sports injuries. These injuries include:
Sprains and Strains
Ankle sprains are the most common sports injury in children, according to the NIH. A sprain is an injury to a ligament, usually one that connects a muscle to a bone in or near one of the joints. A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon.
Growth Plate Injuries
Adult humans have 206 bones, but children actually have more. The “growth plates” are areas of developing bone at the end of a child or teen’s long bones. When a growth plate is injured, future growth in the area may be impaired unless the injury is treated by an experienced physician.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Stress fractures, shin splints, and tendon inflammation don’t always show up on X-rays or other imaging tests, but they can cause serious damage if the athlete tries to “push through” them. Rest, immobilization, or physical therapy are all used to treat these injuries.
Heat-Related Illnesses
Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke can all occur, especially if an athlete is out sweating under a hot son. These injuries can be prevented if parents and coaches pay attention to the weather and require players to stay hydrated.
Head Injuries
Head injuries can occur in any sport, although they are more common in “contact” sports like football, basketball, and soccer. Since the risk of brain damage is much higher when multiple concussions or head injuries occur within a short time span, any player suspected of having a concussion should be sidelined until cleared to play or practice by a qualified physician.
Contact Us
If your child has been injured playing sports, you need an experienced Texas injury attorney on your side. Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP has been there for many families through an injury. We’ve helped them pursue settlements to help pay medical bills and move on. Call us today at (214) 231-0555 to learn how we can be there for you.
