Advice on how to prevent sports-related injuries

With school starting up and fall sports season kicking off, Riley Children’s Health typically sees a rise in sports-related injuries including sprains, muscle strains and fractures. Gunnar Tysklind, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon with Riley Children’s Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, shares some tips on how to help your child prevent an injury this season:

• Open communication. Kids should be telling their parents if they are injured. A decision can then be made to adjust the child’s participation, to rest, or to seek treatment.
• Hydration. Kids are more sensitive to water volume loss than adults. If your child is not using the bathroom/urinating during their training days, they are likely not getting the proper water intake. Avoid soda and drinks high in sugar on intense training days.
• Stretching. Kids typically overlook this but having a proper stretching routine before and after practices and games is very important.
• Safety equipment. Ensure your child has the appropriate equipment during the sporting activity and that it fits properly. If you or your child are not sure, you can always ask your coach.

If your child does suffer an injury, they can receive same-day access to highly skilled pediatric experts. Riley Children’s offers walk-in care for orthopedic injuries at the IU Health North Medical Office Building in Carmel, Monday - Friday from 9am - 6pm. No appointment needed. If your child needs emergency care, you can now find Riley Children’s 24/7 emergency medicine services at three hospital locations. Learn more at rileychildrens.org/emergency.