Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin
Playing youth sports is a great way for your child to grow and develop. It can be a fun and safe activity, but injuries can happen. Knowing how to identify when your son or daughter has been injured and getting early treatment can keep young athletes from developing serious problems.
Pain is generally the first indication of a serious injury, especially if it lasts for awhile. There may also be a lot of swelling or deformity to soft tissue or bone. Significant pain is an indication of serious injury, parents and coaches should take into account the athlete’s level of pain. Pain is a tool that is used by the body to signify that something is wrong. Athletes should not be pressured to play through pain.
If the injury exhibits any obvious deformity, call 9-1-1 and don’t move your son/daughter. Any movement of the limb may result in a more serious injury. If your son/daughter is able to walk and shows no obvious deformity, it's OK to transport him/her to a doctor. It's important to take your son/daughter to a qualified healthcare professional to evaluate the injury as soon as possible.
The most common injuries seen in soccer are to the knee and ankle. These can range from mild sprains to fractures or ligament tears. Even a mild sprain requires rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). If a significant injury occurs, physical therapy may be required to help the injury heal.
A return to play depends on the type and severity of the injury and can range from a couple of days to several months. If you suspect a significant injury, a qualified healthcare professional can properly determine the length of recovery and guide the athlete through the healing process safely and effectively.
Information provided by Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin’s Sports Medicine Center. We are available to answer any of your sports medicine questions, treat and prevent injuries and enhance performance in athletes of all ages. Contact us at 414-805-7100 or froedtert.com/sports
Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin Sports Medicine Center 8700 W. Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226
Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin is a proud sponsor of The Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club
Froedtert & The Medical College of WI - Feature Articles
Each month we ask our sponsor, Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin, to write articles that cover health topics that relate to our membership.
Articles are included within our monthly eNewsletter and also posted below.
