sports injuries

Sporting injuries are the result from acute trauma or repetitive stress or strain associated with athletic activities. Sports injuries can affect bones or soft tissue such as muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Of the 40 million musculoskeletal injuries in the US each year, about 4 million are sports-related. Many sports injuries can be prevented with proper conditioning and training, wearing appropriate protective gear, and using proper equipment.

Adults are less likely to suffer sports injuries than children, whose vulnerability to injury is increased because of immature reflexes, an inability to evaluate and recognize risks, and underdeveloped coordination.

Injury rates are highest for those athletes who participate in contact sports, but the most serious injuries are usually associated with individual activities. Between 1/2 and 2/3 of childhood sports injuries happen during practice, or in the course of unorganized athletic activity.

Every child who plans to participate in organized athletic activity should have a pre-season sports physical.