Children and Sport Injuries

            Sports injuries have been receiving increasing attention in the media in recent years, but this attention mostly centers on professional athletes. "The highest average annual sports and recreation injury episode rates were found in children aged 5-14 years" (Collard 394). Injuries sustained by children while playing sports can have a significant and lasting impact on their development. There is mounting evidence that more injuries are sustained by children than adults and these injuries can pose a serious risk to the long-term health of the child. This paper looks at data surrounding the volume of injuries sustained by children as the types of injuries and possible causes, the potential long-term effects these injuries have, and finally, what can be done to help prevent injuries wherever possible .
             Sports injuries covered in the media are centered on injuries sustained by highly recognizable athletes. The injuries that are seen with children rarely receive much publicity unless the harm is catastrophic such as paralysis or death. Recent studies indicate that children ages 5-14 were found to have the highest rate of sports and recreation injuries (Collard 394). One could attribute this to the fact that children often times do not know the limitations of their own body. Additionally, the bodies of children have not fully developed and may be more susceptible to injury. There is also a large disparity between skill level and body size in children playing sports as one child may develop at a slower rate than another child the same age.
             The location of the injury sustained by a child is relevant when evaluation risk factors associated with sports injuries. "Several studies indicate that the most frequently injured body parts are the lower extremities" (Collard 395). Many children have not received much in terms of formalized training for sports, and may lack the proper equipment.