Drs. Tony Jabbour and Wes Stotler offer a few tips for your young athletes.
- Check equipment: Kids grow quickly! It may have been a few months since they laced up their cleats or put on that lacrosse helmet. Check gear for proper fit and any wear and tear. And break in those shoes before practice or games to avoid blisters.
- Inspect field conditions: Inspect the field for debris and divots. Uneven playing surfaces increase the risk of non-contact injuries such as ankle sprains or ACL tears.
- Proper cool down: Stretching after workouts is a must. Muscles that haven’t been used in a while will likely be sore. For example, a baseball player’s throwing arm might be tight after dribbling a basketball all season. Stretch before and after training to prevent muscle strain.
