First Aid Tips for 5 Common Sporting Injuries in Children

Sports in childhood plays a crucial role; it can help build a child’s confidence, their motor skills, help with both their physical and mental wellbeing and is a building block for social skills. However, according to the Royal Society of Medicine, almost half of the sport injury-related cases in A&E are that of children and teenagers. 

It is crucial to catch injuries early on before they cause serious damage and that is where past students say that our first aid training course in Glasgow them to help in an emergency. In this article, we will discuss the most common sporting injuries in children, how they occur and how we can avoid these injuries. When it comes to first aid for sporting injuries, parents may be able to treat them using Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation (RICE). If the injuries are far more serious, it’s best to seek professional, medical attention.

 

Sprains 

Although sprains are extremely common, it is important to know what to do with a sprained limb such as an ankle sprain. Sprains occur when the ligaments that support the wrist or ankle are stretched and torn. Your child could experience severe pain,  swelling and bruising making it difficult to put weight on the joint. Basic first aid training  would include compressing the area with an ice pack to combat swelling. 

Concussion

Concussions are injuries involving the brain. They can occur when a collision results with a direct blow to the head. This causes the brain to shake within the skull, which can result in a multitude of symptoms. This includes headaches, nausea, blurry vision, and dizziness. Concussions can cause prolonged brain damage if there is a series of concussions. Use an ice pack on visible bruising and seek medical attention immediately.

 

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear

The ACL is one of the most common injuries that occurs in sports. The ACL is a major ligament that helps to stabilise the knee joint. It’s primary function is to connect the femur to the tibia. A tear can occur if there is a blow to the outside of the knee. They may also occur after a jump or twist of the knee. As ACL tears are serious sporting injuries, it is important to see a physician immediately. They can cause severe pain, swelling and minimal movement in the knee. Whilst waiting for medical attention it is important to protect the injury, allow the injured to rest, place ice on the swollen area, provide support and if possible elevate the leg to reduce swelling.

 

Little League Elbow

This is elbow pain associated with sports such as basketball or volleyball where there is repetitive movement such as  overhead throwing. This pain is caused by the stress placed on the growth plate inside a child’s elbow, which will result in swelling, pain and difficulty straightening the arm. In order to treat Little League Elbow, it is important to rest the area and gradually return to the activity. Parents should seek additional help from a physiotherapist which will set up a rehabilitation programme for your child’s mobility. 

 

Dislocations

Common dislocations include the shoulder, where the arm and shoulder don’t lay straight when held straight out. A dislocated shoulder can be determined by the sound of a “pop” followed by severe pain. It is important to note that dislocated joints must only be placed back in place by a licensed health professional such as a coach, paramedic or physiotherapist. For future prevention, parents should seek to have their children strengthen their shoulder muscles through physiotherapy. 

 

At Harberry Training, we provide first aid training courses in Glasgow and Belfast and know how important it is to be prepared in the unfortunate event that your child sustains a sporting injury. Get in touch to find out about our first aid courses and how you can get booked on and prepared.

 

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boy who requires first aid for a sporting injury