This year, spring is the new fall for school sports. Many teen athletes have hit the practice fields as local schools restart sports.
After time away from their usual group activities, your teen athlete might need a little extra time to get back in shape. Easing back into their favorite sport and gradually increasing activity will help prevent injuries and get them back in the game safely.
Quick tips to stay safe during sports season
No matter what sport your child plays, they always run the risk of getting injured during practices or games. Sprains, strains and minor fractures are some of the most common injuries.
Most urgent care clinics, like Indigo Urgent Care, can treat minor injuries, but there are some strategies your teen can take to avoid getting hurt in the first place.
1. Don’t skip warm-ups or cool-down stretches
When you rush into any type of exercise without properly warming up first, your muscles are more vulnerable to minor injuries. Your teen should start their warm-up by doing some light cardiovascular activities, such as jumping jacks, easy jogging or brisk walking.
This will ease their muscles from a resting state to an active one. After a workout, cool down with a few stretches. This helps with flexibility and can reduce the risk of strains and sprains.
2. Use the right equipment
This may seem obvious, but if your teen plays a sport that involves protective equipment, be sure they use it every time they play, especially when they are “unofficially” playing with their friends.
- Helmets should fit snugly -- but comfortably -- on your athlete's head for the proper fit. This will prevent it from tilting backward or forward and causing an injury.
- Wearing a mouthguard helps protect teeth and jaws from wayward balls or elbows to the face.
- Wrist, knee and elbow guards can help prevent stress fractures, as well as painful cuts and scrapes.
3. Schedule a sports physical
If your athlete has not had a sports physical with their doctor in the past 12 to 24 months, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment.
You can even schedule a physical at an urgent care clinic near you. Indigo Urgent Care’s medical providers can evaluate your child, complete the participation paperwork, and ensure your student athlete is fit to play all season long.
Having a physical before the season begins can help prevent sports injuries by catching any health problems early on.
Get care for minor injuries
Sometimes injuries happen, whether due to overuse, an awkward landing, or simply an accident. Watch for limping, swelling, or continuous pain that doesn’t improve with ice and rest. These are often signs that an injury needs treatment. Indigo Urgent Care has locations across Washington and Idaho with an on-site X-ray.
Our friendly team is ready to evaluate and treat minor injuries and get your athlete back in the game as soon as possible.
