How to Handle Common Sports Injuries

Fall is a busy season for school sports, from football and cross country to volleyball and cheerleading. Sports are a great way to get exercise – but sometimes, they can be a source of injuries for children and teens.

Here’s what you should know about some of the most common sports injuries:

Sprains and Strains

Most sports injuries are caused by minor damage to soft tissue. Strains are caused by overuse of a muscle or tendon. Sprains are caused by twisting or tearing a ligament in a joint, like ankles, knees, or wrists. Ankles are the most commonly strained or sprained joints, especially among young athletes. Doctors typically diagnose a sprain or strain after talking to you about how the injury happened and doing a physical exam. Sometimes, an X-ray is needed to make sure there is not a broken bone.

 

Symptoms include pain, warmth, and trouble moving the muscle or joint. Treatment usually includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (known as RICE). For more serious sprains, a doctor may recommend surgery or physical therapy.

Overuse Injuries

Sometimes, injuries can happen when a bone or joint is being used too much.

• Little League Elbow usually occurs in children age 8 to 16. It happens when the same motion, over and over, stresses the elbow’s growth plate before the bones are done growing. Symptoms include pain in the elbow, swelling around the elbow, popping or cracking while throwing, and trouble straightening the arm. Treatment usually includes resting and icing the arm. In some cases, physical therapy may be needed.

• Runner’s knee can be caused by overuse, poor foot support, or tight hamstrings. Symptoms include pain around the kneecap and a grinding feeling when moving. Treatment usually includes stretching, icing, and elevating the leg. Knee braces, compression wraps, and shoe inserts can provide extra support.

Concussions

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. It is caused by a bump or blow that makes the head and brain move rapidly back and forth. Most sports-related concussions are caused by a collision between players, or by being hit in the head with a ball. Symptoms include headaches, vision problems, feeling dizzy or having trouble balancing, or being bothered by light or noise.

If your child has concussion symptoms, you should visit a doctor within 24-48 hours of the injury. (This chart can help you decide where to go for care.) The doctor can do a physical exam and give you instructions on how to help your child recover. If your child is showing more serious symptoms, like seizures and loss of consciousness, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room right away.

Preventing Sports Injuries

The best way to prevent sports injuries is to develop good habits before and after physical activity. Remind your child to:

 

• Rest when they’re tired.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Warm up with stretching before exercising.
• Cool down after exercising.
• Use the right gear for their sport.

What Your Plan Covers

In addition to doctor visits and urgent or emergency care, STAR plans cover:

• Physical therapy for members age 20 or younger, through the Comprehensive Care Program under Texas Health Steps.
• Radiology, imaging, and X-rays for kids up to age 21.

Similarly, CHIP plans cover:

• Doctor visits and urgent or emergency care.
• School-based physical, occupational, and speech therapy when a doctor orders it.
• X-rays (with prior authorization from a physician).

Check your Member Handbook for more details about the benefits and services included with your plan.

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Help your child stay healthy with a free sports physical!

STAR and CHIP members age 5-19 can get a free sports physical once a year. This exam can help identify potential injury concerns and provide an overall picture of your child’s health.

Do you think your child might have a sports-related injury? PCHP members can call the 24/7 Nurse Line to discuss symptoms, possible treatment, and where to go for care if needed. Registered nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• STAR: 1-888-667-7890
• CHIP/CHIP Perinate:1-800-357-3162

 

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