Gymnastics is a wonderful activity for people of all ages, whether your child is looking for a hobby or wants to take part in competitions. However, it also comes with some potential risk of injury. Fortunately, if you sign your little one up at a safe facility with knowledgeable teachers, most injuries are avoidable. The instructors at Top Flight Gymnastics in Columbia, MD, explain the most common injuries involved in the sport and how they can be avoided.

5 Injuries Your Child Can Avoid With Proper Instruction & Practice

1. ACL Tears

The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is a ligament in the knee that stabilizes the joint. A tear is usually caused by a sudden turn or pivot on that ligament and requires surgery to repair. To lessen the risk for this type of injury, gymnasts must have a strong base. Flexibility and strength exercises are crucial.

2. Sprained Ankles

Sprained ankles often occur when a gymnast lands incorrectly from a jump or other acrobatic movement. Stretching prior to every athletic activity is important to keep the ankles, feet, and legs strong and flexible, to prevent instability. Gymnasts can also wrap the ankles in athletic tape to stabilize them.

3. Wrist Fractures

Wrist fractures can occur from movements like landing after a flip or jumping on a vault, and they generally happen due to overuse or landing incorrectly. The injuries are most often the result of a person trying to catch themselves after falling accidentally. Falling without putting a hand down first usually lessens the risk of injury. Your child will practice how to land safely and fight off that instinct to brace themselves with a hand.

4. Back Pain

Back pain is often the result of overuse or inflexibility. If your child experiences pain, they’ll be encouraged to practice a longer stretching routine and potentially take some time off from vigorous athletic activities that add to the strain. Once the pain subsides, they’ll do some core strengthening work in addition to gymnastics activities.

5. Leg Pain

Similarly, leg injuries are often caused by flexibility or overuse issues, and they are dealt with through stretching and strengthening exercises. Leg pain or injury can also occur when one side is stronger than the other, impacting the ability to balance. During strength work, children should work both sides equally or pay extra attention to the weaker side to create better balance in the future.

With these tips in mind, gymnastics is a fun activity for everyone. The instructors at Top Flight Gymnastics are safety-certified by USA Gymnastics, ensuring your child has the best guidance for proper technique and avoiding injuries. The staff offers a large facility with competitive training programs and recreational classes for people of all ages. Visit their website for a calendar of classes and competitions, or call (410) 992-1600 to learn more.