FRIDAY, April 11, 2003 (HealthDayNews) -- Spring and summer sports provide children with fun, exercise and interaction with other youngsters.
But some sports have a higher risk of injury than others. Bicycling, basketball, football, baseball/softball and soccer are the leading cause of spring and summer sports injuries for children aged 5-14, says the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
Those injuries include fractures, dislocations, strains/sprains and contusions/abrasions.
In 2001, bicycling accounted for about 648,000 injuries in the United States followed by: basketball, 540,000 injuries; football, 504,000 injuries; baseball/softball, 271,000 injuries; soccer, 210,000 injuries; skateboards, 134,000 injuries.
Trampolines, volleyball, gymnastics and scooters were close behind in injury totals.
As part of the Prevent Injuries America! program, the AAOS offers these safety guidelines for parents and children:
- Know the rules of the sport and abide by them.
- Wear all appropriate safety gear. For example, a helmet for bike riding, a hard-shell helmet when batting in baseball, and shin guards when playing soccer.
- Check all equipment before you play and know how to use it. For example, breakaway bases dramatically reduce leg injuries in children playing baseball.
- Always warm up before doing any kind of sport or activity.
- Don't play when you're tired or in pain.
More information
You can find more Prevent Injuries America! advice on the AAOS Web site.
