By Alicia Wanek
Recent Concerns for Sports Moms
The alarming news about the brains of NFL players donated for research revealed that 99% displayed signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a condition spotlighted in the movie Concussion starring Will Smith. While football is often the primary focus when discussing concussions, research indicates that basketball, soccer, baseball, and other team sports frequently encounter similar issues. Surprisingly, cheerleading has been reported to have a higher incidence of concussions per participant than football.
Impact of Modern Safety Measures
It’s important to note that the aforementioned study involved players who were not equipped with today’s advanced helmets, as well as before the adoption of “heads up” tackling techniques and the understanding among coaching staff and medical professionals that athletes should not return to play until they’ve had ample time to recover. Nonetheless, the statistics are concerning, especially for parents of young athletes interested in participating in contact sports.
Increasing Injuries Among Young Athletes
Another significant issue is the rise in sports-related injuries among children that could result in lasting physical consequences. High school athletes see an estimated 2 million injuries, leading to 500,000 medical visits and 30,000 hospitalizations annually. It’s not just teenagers facing these risks; over 3.5 million children under 14 seek treatment for sports injuries each year, with those aged 5 to 14 representing nearly 40% of all treatments for sports-related injuries. The likelihood and severity of injuries tend to increase with age.
Unique Risks for Growing Bodies
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), children and teenagers sustain different types of injuries because they are still in the growth phase. “Growth is generally uneven: Bones grow first, pulling at tight muscles and tendons. This uneven growth pattern makes younger athletes more susceptible to muscle, tendon, and growth plate injuries.”
Rise of Overuse Injuries
There has been a heightened awareness of the growing number of overuse injuries among young athletes. The AAOS explains that in the past, children commonly participated in various sports throughout the year, but nowadays, they often specialize in one sport. “When a child plays just one sport year-round, they consistently engage the same muscle groups and place constant stress on particular areas of the body. This repetition can result in muscle imbalances, which, combined with overtraining and insufficient rest, increase the risk of overuse injuries,” the Academy notes.
Insights from a Local Surgeon
Local hand surgeon Derek Rapp has encountered numerous sports injuries both in his practice and during his own experience as a rugby player for three years at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
“Younger athletes are still developing and are therefore at a higher risk for injury compared to adults. Many young athletes may downplay or ignore injuries due to the fear of missing out on participation,” says Dr. Rapp, who practices at the Regional Plastic Surgery Center/RPSC Hand Surgery Center. “Delays in seeking treatment can complicate the situation and prolong recovery. It’s crucial for athletes to report any injuries to their parents and coaches to ensure they receive proper medical assessment and treatment. Untreated injuries in adolescence can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, or disability later in life.”
What Can Parents Do?
Parents should ensure that their children are physically prepared for their chosen sport, avoiding any undue pressure if their bodies are not adequately conditioned.
Local physical therapist Kyle Brookhart emphasizes the importance of readiness before the fall sports season. “Often, athletes have not been active over the summer, making them more prone to injuries as their bodies aren’t prepared for high-intensity activity.” Proper conditioning and stretching are essential to get ready for the season.
If there is any suspicion that a child has experienced a concussion or injury, immediate medical evaluation is crucial.
The Importance of Immediate Assessment
Neurologist Dr. Ralph Lilly points out that “effective concussion management necessitates early evaluation from neurologists, family doctors, physiatrists, and neuropsychologists. Diagnostic assessments should extend to imaging and evaluating cognitive and physical capabilities.” It is important to communicate and collaborate with the child’s school or workplace, family members, and caregivers regarding their condition.
Some patients may require adjustments to their school or work schedules. Various therapies, including speech, occupational, cognitive, and vocational support, can be beneficial to meet individual needs. These healthcare providers should offer guidance on aspects such as sleep, nutrition, exercise, and particularly on how to prevent further head injuries.
Recognizing Concussions as Serious Injuries
Concussions should be seen as serious brain injuries. Although they do not usually pose an immediate life-threatening risk, they can significantly disrupt daily life for the person affected. With appropriate care and intervention, the prognosis can greatly improve.
The advancements in radiological diagnostic techniques simplify the process of evaluating concussion severity. Envision Imaging provides the CereScan, capable of examining blood flow in up to 160 brain regions, and their SWI technology can help detect variations in brain tissue, complementing traditional MRI scans.
Doctors specializing in sports medicine are extensively trained to identify concussions and other sports-related injuries, particularly those affecting children. The newly established Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine at Children’s Medical Center offers convenient Saturday clinics during the fall sports season for evaluations without needing appointments.
Editor’s Note: For additional resources, please visit the Children’s Health website.
