The excitement of high school athletics is upon us, and with it comes the risk of injury to your son or daughter, niece or nephew, or grandchild. Ligament sprains. Muscle strains and pulls. Fractures. All are common injuries afflicting student athletes on the field or court. Precautions should be taken to help high school athletes avoid injury this school year.

Young athletes often have a tendency to want to play through the pain of an injury, but that risks worsening the injury and causing long-term health problems. Muscle and bone injuries, no matter how minor they may seem, should not be ignored.

Young athletes’ joints are still developing. They experience uneven growth patterns in bone-tendon-muscle units, leaving them susceptible to injury. Untreated injuries can result in permanent damage and disease, such as osteoarthritis. Athletes should stop playing when they are exhausted or in pain on the court or field, and injuries should be evaluated immediately.

The following are other preventative measures that young athletes can take to avoid injury and remain in the game:

• A physical examination should be conducted before athletic activity begins, including a general exam and an orthopaedic exam that entails the re-examination of past bone and joint injuries.
• Student-athletes should be in proper physical condition before participating in sports, focusing on muscular strength and endurance, and cardiovascular fitness.
• The appropriate protective gear should be worn in practices and during competition.
• Athletes should stretch their muscles and warm up before any game or practice.
• In hot weather, student-athletes should take frequent water breaks to help prevent dehydration and other heat-related illnesses.
• Injuries involving bones or joints should be examined by an orthopaedic physician.