INJURY ADVICE
Thankfully injuries in children's football are rare. Most sports injuries affect soft tissues, for example muscles and ligaments.
Common causes of sports injuries are:
Inadequate and/or inappropriate preparation for sport. Warm-up exercises are essential to increase the blood flow to the muscles and make them more flexible. it is also important to cool down after exercise to prevent next-day stiffness.Too much training or repetitive activities. Pain during or after exercise is a signal that your body may be having problems and this should not be ignored.Improper equipment. The wrong type of footwear can cause injury. Shin pads are compulsory at training and during matches.Returning to competitive action too soon following an injury not allowing it enough time to healWhat do you do if your child has an injury ?
P.R.I.C.E.
PROTECTION - support the injured part by taping it strapping it to protect it against any further damage
REST - continuing to exercise a damaged muscle or ligament immediately following an injury can turn a minor
problem into a major on. A rest from sport for the first 72 hours following any injury helps promote
healing.
ICE - apply an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables (wrapped in a tea towel) immediately, for 20 - 30
minutes, repeating every 2 - 3 hours. Never apply heat during the first 72 hours, including liniment or
soaking in a hot bath, as it makes things worse.
COMPRESSION - although a compression bandage will help reduce swelling, make sure you use a stretchy
bandage and do not apply it too tightly.
ELEVATION- elevate the injured part whenever possible. Ideally this should be above the level of your heart.
If in any doubt take your child to Accident & Emergency at the local hospital.
For long term injury advice contact the club sports injury specialist MAX at max@hanwellfooty.co.uk