Diamond Author
I get a lot of questions about how to deal with injuries, and many of them are related to a sport. Sprains, tears and fractures can occur in many sports and not necessarily because someone did something wrong. It may just be the nature of the game.
When the injured person is a child, there is a lot more to consider. Children are not miniature adults, so it stands to reason that there will be some differences in treatment. This information could make a big difference not only in whether or not your child can return to the sport of choice, it can be life and death.
Arthritis: There are three types of arthritis, but the one I am focusing on here is osteoarthritis, or the wearing and tearing of joints. Yes, children can have OA, and if so, it will probably be sports related. Many athletic endeavors involve a lot of strain, and over time the results may mean developing it at a young age.
Prevention is the best bet, but may not happen. One thing you, as a parent, can do is to encourage proper warm ups and cool downs. Applying heat before and ice after events may also be beneficial. Proper equipment is also a good idea; braces and pads may help blunt the impacts received.
Concussion: There have been many changes in how concussions are treated and when the patient can return to previous activities. We were once told to keep the child awake for a period of time, though that is no longer considered necessary in most cases. One thing that has remained the same is that if a concussion is suspected, your child will need a medical exam.
There are three levels of concussion; one involves a blow to the head resulting in some confusion, lack of memory, etc. for twenty minutes or less, but no loss of consciousness. Second, your child could present the same symptoms for longer than twenty minutes and still no loss of consciousness. Third, your child has lost consciousness.
Protective gear is the best way to avoid this problem, though it won't prevent all head injuries. There is rarely any treatment required for the condition as long as it is minor. However, until the doctor clears your child, the child cannot play sports or engage in other activities that may re-injure the brain. Once your child has had a concussion, there is an increased risk of a second one. This can cause more serious problems.
Fractures: The good news is that most children's bones are still soft enough that an actual break is less likely. Greenstick fractures are more common. However, that doesn't mean they can't break.
Naturally, the doctor will do the initial treatment, whether it's surgery and a cast. When your child comes home from the hospital, Dr. Mom and Dr. Dad have to take over. RICE is going to be your friend here. The acronym stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. While the bone is healing, activities need to be curtailed as much as possible, and the injured area should be elevated as much as possible. If there is a way, icing the injury can help reduce swelling and pain, though it obviously won't work well through a plaster cast. The doctor will be in charge of the compression.
Sprains: These are actually more likely in sports, as the ligaments don't have the rigidity of the bones. This involves tearing and/or rupturing of said ligaments. Minor sprains can be treated at home, but if there is enough damage, it may require surgery to repair.
Once again, RICE comes in handy. Have the doctor show you how to rewrap the bandaging if that is the method chosen. Rest, use ice for the first 48 hours, keep it wrapped when not using ice and keep it propped up.
You can make a big difference in how your child recovers from a sports injury. Don't be afraid to ask questions when speaking to the doctor about them. The doctor may also give you an instruction sheet that will make it easier for you to help your child heal.
About this Author
My eBook the Complete Guide to Complementary Remedies, has information from all of my mini books, plus much more. Topics include:
Sprains: Page 33
Colds and Flu: Page 59
Herbs for Male Health: Page 72
Women's Issues Page 83
Our site has information on many topics and my five eBooks about herbal remedies. You can also download my free report, the Top Ten Herbs. It details ten popular herbs, their uses, side effects, precautions and drug interactions. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me: mary@healing-home-remedies.com
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