Competitive athletics are an excellent outlet for a child’s strength, energy, and agility, as well as a great way to meet new friends and discover new skills and interests. However, as with any physical activity, sports and other activities come with an inherent risk of injury. While it isn’t possible to completely avoid this issue, there are several steps you can take to help your child stay safe with the help of a sports medicine specialist. Have a look at the information below to learn more.

How Young Athletes Can Prevent Sports Injuries

1. Encourage Them to Stretch

Stretching is one of the most important things people of all ages can do before and after engaging in exercise, athletics, or other physical activities. Proper stretching exercises will loosen and warm up the muscles, joints, and tendons, making them less susceptible to sudden strain or damage. Work with your child to create effective warmup and cool-down routines, including light jogging and stretches for major muscle groups to reduce the risk of preventable injuries.

2. Remind Them to Stay Hydrated

During periods of intense physical activity, water levels in the body will gradually decrease due to sweating. For that reason, it’s important that your young athlete drinks plenty of water before, during, and after practice sessions, competitions, and events.

As a rule of thumb, they should drink water half an hour before exercising or playing sports and then at regular intervals of 15 to 20 minutes to stay hydrated and cool. A sports medicine specialist can also recommend alternative drinks, such as flavored sports beverages, which might be more appealing to kids.

3. Take Breaks

A young athlete who’s discovered a passion for a new activity or sport can easily go too far if they continue practicing without rest. The longer an activity is practiced, the less time the body will have to restore worn muscle tissue and recover lost energy. This can then contribute to a higher risk of injury and leave your child sitting on the sidelines as they recover. Always designate at least two days off a week, during which your child can rest and recuperate.

For the best in medical advice and sports medicine in the Wexford, PA area, parents of growing athletes can turn to Tri Rivers Musculoskeletal Centers. With six convenient locations in Butler and Allegheny Counties, these doctors can help with everything from treating sports-related injuries to providing expert advice for active kids. Call (866) 874-7483 to schedule an appointment, and visit them online to learn more.