With so many choices of youth sports each season, kids and young adults can play sports year round, making them susceptible to a multitude of sports injuries.
While physical activity is necessary for growing children, too much or too intense activity can cause damage or injury to their bodies.
According to an article by USA Today, 1.35 million youths, age 19 and under, attain serious sports injuries that lead to emergent hospital visits each year. Among the most popular sports, football, basketball and soccer are the most common for injury, although not understating others.
Strains and sprains, fractures, and contusions and abrasions are the most common forms of injury, with concussions not far behind.
Dr. Shelden Martin of OrthoArizona encourages his patients to take every step necessary before and during the season to prevent serious injuries.
It is essential to get a pre-participation physical, appropriate equipment and perform necessary conditioning before beginning the season to make sure that they are ready in regards to physical and safety preparedness.
During the season, early recognition of injuries and possible treatment is critical to preventing further damage. Any injury that involves swelling, discoloration, loss of function however minor, or visible deformity should be seen by a physician.
While some of these injuries can heal on their own or with remedies like ice and ibuprofen, others can worsen and cause serious damage if ignored or played on without proper healing.
Dr. Martin specializes in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine for any injury. He has worked with professional, collegiate and high school sports teams.
Currently, Dr. Martin is the head team physician for the world champion Arizona Rattlers and team physician for Desert Vista High School. Previously, Dr. Martin served as part of the team medical staffs for the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Knights, Joe Gibbs Racing Team and the University of North Carolina.
Dr. Martin specializes in complex arthroscopic surgery, including ligament reconstruction, cartilage transplants, shoulder and elbow joint replacements, and reverse shoulder replacements.
“We use the latest nonoperative and surgical treatments for a wide range of orthopedic problems and sports related injuries,” Dr. Martin said. “Our job is to get you back to activity as soon as possible.”