SPORTS MEDICINE: PREVENTING SPORTS INJURIES: TIPS FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL ATHLETES

To most students, memories of going back-to-school include new friends, clothes and books. But for approximately 775,000 children under the age of 15 in the United States, that memory may also include a trip to the emergency room for a sports-related injury.

School-aged athletes, whether participants in organized sports programs, physical education classes, or community intramural activities, have special physical needs that require different coaching, conditioning,and medical care than most mature athletes. Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians are the specialists when it comes to the medical care of these young athletes.

These medical doctors are experienced in helping to restore function to their patients, including diagnosing and treating sports injuries. There are marked differences in coordination, strength and stamina between children and adults). In young athletes, bone-tendon-muscle units, growth areas within bones, and ligaments experience uneven growth patterns, leaving them susceptible to injury. That's why it's important for coaches, parents and players to provide protection for the young athlete through proper conditioning, prompt treatment of injuries, and rehabilitation programs.

Many sports-related injuries are preventable. It's critical that student athletes, as well as anyone participating in a sport, have a proper warm-up period with a few minutes of stretching before engaging in a sports activity.

Some of the most common sports-related injuries by school-aged athletes seen by PM&R physicians include:

· Tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendon caused by overuse of a joint. It is commonly found in knees (runners and cyclists), shoulders (golfers, swimmers, baseball or softball players), and elbows (tennis and baseball).

· Pulled hamstrings, a strain of the muscle that connects the buttocks and the back of the thigh, is often found in athletes whose sports require sudden, powerful movements. A quick stop or start will strain the hamstring, especially if the body is not properly conditioned. Indicated by a mild to severe pain when walking or bending the leg or swelling or tenderness of the back of the thigh, a pulled hamstring requires rest and will heal faster with treatment. Sprinters, hurdlers and players of such team sports as football are frequently among the patients treated for a pulled hamstring.

· Shin splint, a painful condition caused by an irritation of the tough fibrous membrane surrounding the shin bone (the front portion of the leg above the ankle and below the knee). The injury is commonly found in runners, especially those putting in too many miles on hard pavements or tracks without shock-absorbing footwear.

Whenever a sharp or sudden pain is felt during an athletic activity, stop and get treatment if the pain persists. If ignored, a mild injury can become serious. For instance, untreated tendinitis can lead to a torn tendon, a much more complicated injury that will sideline an athlete for weeks or months.

Here are some tips from PM&R physicians for preventing many common sports injuries:

· Prepare for exercise/activities — Understand what muscle groups will be used and slowly start conditioning them. Talk with a doctor to determine the appropriate level of activity.

· Stretch muscles before exercising — Muscles and joints need to warm up before strenuous activity. Also allow for a "cooling down" period after excessive stresses and strains.

· Use the proper equipment — Using shoes for an activity other than for what they're designed, such as playing basketball or tennis in running shoes, will not provide adequate support and protection. And cheaper is not always better. Running in a pair of cheaply made running shoes may cause discomfort and injury in the future.

· Don't force the body — If an activity doesn't feel comfortable, it may be due to an improper technique. An incorrect foot plant or stride can lead to ankle or other related injuries. Consult with a coach or trainer when needed. And don't exercise when injured or sick; this can cause the condition to worsen.

· Easy does it — Pushing oneself beyond practical limits can lead to injury. If pain or lightheadedness is felt, stop and take a breath. Start only when feeling better.

· Rest and relaxation — Even professional athletes take a day off. At least once a week, give the body a rest.

Student athletes are to be commended for their devotion and interest in sports. By taking sensible precautions and listening to their bodies, their coaches and their doctors, they will get the maximum benefit from physical exercise.