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How PCPs can prevent, diagnose, treat sports injuries in youth
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Multiple studies have found children’s participation in physical activities can make them healthier. At least several researchers have suggested engaging in team sports may bolster children’s social skills and also provide psychological benefits.
However, sports also carry a level of risk for physical injury, making it important to ensure children and parents are aware of the potential harm that could occur and discuss steps that can reduce the risk of harm.
According to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, with an estimated 45 million children taking part in either organized or scholastic sports, the opportunity for children and adolescents to be injured is “enormous.” The hospital also cited data that indicate 5 million youth are seen by a primary care physician or sports medicine clinic for injuries, and that sports injuries are the second leading cause of ED visits among this population group.
As a courtesy to its readers, Healio Family Medicine compiled a list of some of the latest research into preventing injuries and treatment options in sports medicine for younger patients.
Experts provide tips on diagnosing, treating concussions
A prompt diagnosis is critical when encountering a patient who might have a concussion, a sports medicine doctor who specializes in sports-related concussion management told Healio Family Medicine. Read more.
Keeping sudden cardiac death off the playing field
NEW ORLEANS — Following guidelines for athletes developed by the American Heart Association and other associations can minimize the risk for sudden cardiac death, according to a presenter at the American College of Physicians annual meeting. Read more.
Approach to prevent medial elbow injury in baseball players
A prevention program that improves physical function was effective in the prevention of medial elbow injury in youth baseball players, according to a recently published study.
Gait retraining program may reduce risk of injury in novice runners
According to a recently published study from the American Journal of Sports Medicine, a 2-week gait retraining program for novice runners showed efficacy for reducing impact loading. Read more.
Nonoperative instability severity index score identified to predict shoulder failure in high school athletes
NEW ORLEANS — Use of the nonoperative instability severity index showed high school athletes with anterior shoulder instability and specific factors were more likely to experience successful outcomes with nonoperative treatment, according to results presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting.
VIDEO: Expert discusses rehabilitation techniques for sports injuries
KOLOA, Hawaii – At Orthopedics Today Hawaii 2018, John D. Kelly, MD, a professor of clinical orthopedic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, discussed rehabilitation techniques for sports injuries. Watch video.
Steroid use among recreational athletes as dangerous as doping among professionals
Amid the high-profile cases of doping at the professional level, another significant issue with performance-enhancing drugs has gone largely unrecognized: the abuse of these agents by recreational athletes. Read more.
AAP cautions youth athletes against unhealthy weight changes
Youth athletes who participate in sports with weight classes or an emphasis on physique may be engaging in unhealthy strategies for weight loss and weight gain, according to a clinical report issued by the AAP Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness. Read more.
More than 26,000 children injured by hoverboards between 2015 and 2016
With the release of the hoverboard in 2015 came 26,854 injuries treated in United States EDs related to the product, with the most commonly affected area being the wrist, according to findings published in Pediatrics. Read more.