(HealthDay News) -- Scholastic sports are a great way for children to get exercise and stay healthy. But young athletes also are at greater risk of injury to their growing bodies.
Here are potential risks to keep in mind when your child is playing a sport, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:
- Growing bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons are more susceptible to injury than those of adults.
- Growth plates leave weak areas exposed that can cause long-term damage.
- Children in the same age group may vary greatly in size and ability, which can lead to injuries in contact sports.
- Competitive children may try to push themselves to play longer and harder than their bodies can physically handle.
