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I read somewhere that we can't really control anything, so we shouldn't worry because there's nothing we can do to change whatever we are worrying about. But I have to admit, when it comes to my children participating in sports events, I can't help but worry they will get hurt. Maybe if I knew more about just how often injuries occur, I might be able to relax. Is it inevitable that the longer they play, the greater the risk?
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Not necessarily. While it's true that many athletes do get injured, there are ways to protect children and prevent some of these injuries. Here's what we know so far. First, to give you an idea of how common sports participation is -- there are over seven million high school students involved in athletics each year in the United States. And about two million injuries each year as well. About one in 10 of those injuries is really a repeat or recurrent injury.
There is an on-line database of information about high school athletes that gives some idea of types and patterns of injuries. It's called the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance System. Independent researchers use this information to gather information and analyze the data.
In a recent study from Ohio State University, data was collected on high school sports injuries for a three-year period of time (2005-2008). researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy at the university were specifically looking for information and trends about injury recurrence. Their goal is to prevent injuries and develop strategies to prevent injury recurrence as well. With more and more students participating in organized sports, injury prevention and especially preventing repeat or recurring injuries is important.
Here's a quick summary of their major findings. These findings were based on 100 high schools randomly selected to contribute information to the database about sports injuries. New injuries were much more common than recurrent ones. Recurrent injuries occurred more often during competition than in practice.
Football had the highest rate of competition-based recurrent injuries. Volleyball had the lowest rate of competition-based recurrent injuries. Volleyball players were more likely to injure themselves during practice. Basketball was the sport with the top number of recurrent injuries for boys and girls. Boys reinjured themselves more often than girls. In sports played by both sexes (volleyball, soccer, basketball, softball, baseball), girls had more recurrent injuries playing soccer.
Second injuries are usually worse than the first. For example, if a muscle or tendon was partially torn the first time, it ruptures fully the next. A second (or even third) concussion can lead to more severe symptoms and can even result in death. Recurrent concussions resulting in a life-threatening condition are called second-impact syndrome. Disability or death from second-impact syndrome is certainly a good reason to find ways to prevent sports injuries.
What can be done to reduce the rate of injuries and especially reinjuries? The first place to start is with the use of protective equipment in adolescent athletes. Balance and strength training to protect muscles and joints are essential for all sports. Athletes who have suffered one concussion may want to think about discontinuing participation in that sport and maybe trying something else with a lower concussion-injury risk. When appropriate, athletes should be encouraged to complete a rehab program before jumping right back in to practice and competition.
More research is needed to fully define what needs to be done to prevent injuries and put a stop to recurrent injuries. The role of surgery for first time injuries needs to be explored more fully. It's possible that surgery to repair/restore damaged soft tissues that are partially torn could save athletes from second injuries that result in complete tears. Shoulder injuries seem especially prone to reinjury. Shoulder braces are being redesigned with this in mind.
As a parent, do what you can; control what you can. You can make sure that your child/children have the appropriate equipment needed and that it is in good condition. Don't skimp on training camps to prepare for their sports or on rehab if/when an injury does occur. The rest is, as you say, out of your control.
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*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
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