Feature/General
Sports Injury Q&A
March 2005

While we at Athens Parent hope this issue has enticed you to explore the many wonderful sporting opportunities available in the community, we realize you may need additional information in deciding what's best for your own child. According to Sophia Waters, physical therapist and clinical director of Oconee Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation, the following are some of the most frequently asked questions by parents concerned about the safety and appropriateness of certain sports.

Q: How young can children play tackle football with equipment?
A: Parents are often worried about the injuries that can occur during tackle football. According to Dr. William Mulherin of Athens Orthopedic Clinic, "children can play football with appropriate equipment at the age of 6 years old." The problem, he states, is "when there are players of multiple ages and sizes playing together." People that are larger generate more force with the impact of a tackle, because they are stronger and bigger. When the sizes and strengths of the players are significantly different, it increases the probability of an injury.

Q: When can my child throw breaking balls in little league?
A: Throwing breaking balls requires significant rotational force on the arm muscles and bones. Dr. Robert Hancock of Athens Orthopedic Clinic suggests that "at about 15 years of age is an appropriate time to start thinking about working with breaking pitches." He cites a report by the USA Baseball Medical & Safety Advisory Committee that recommends, "Pitchers should not throw breaking pitches (curveballs, sliders, etc.) in competition until their bones have matured (indicated by puberty)... In order to succeed, a youth pitcher should focus on good mechanics, a fast fastball, a good change-up, and good control." www.usabaseball.com/med_position_statement.html)

Q: What is cross training?
A: Cross training is an important concept when developing an exercise program. Cross training involves two or more types of exercise in the same or consecutive exercise sessions. There are 5 general types of exercise for cross-training programs: aerobic fitness, anaerobic fitness, muscle strength, muscle endurance and flexibility. Mixing different kinds of training adds variety and maintains interest in exercise as well as emphasizes the entire body energy systems such as aerobic vs. anaerobic. One of the most important reasons for cross training is minimizing the risk of injury by distributing the exercise load to various parts of the body. (The Physician and Sportsmedicine, Vol24, No9, Sept 96.)

Q: Is it safe for my child to participate in weight lifting?
A: There are many strengthening exercises such as push-ups, crunches, and chin-ups that can be used in younger children to work on strength and coordination. Dr. Mixon Robinson suggests use of these exercises for younger children and prefers that weight lifting be initiated around 13 years of age. It is always important for children to have a pre-participation physical prior to participating in strength or athletic activities. (ACSM, "Youth Strength training," March 1998; "Strength training in Children and Adolescents," Sept 2002, www.ascm.org; "Strength Training by Children and Adolescents," Pediatrics, 2001; Vol. 107 No. 6)

Q: When do I use heat and ice?
A: After an injury, always use ice for the first 24-48 hours to help minimize pain and swelling. Continue to use ice as long as swelling exists. In general, you can use heat when you are experiencing muscular tightness, but use ice if you feel like you have inflamed the area. Ice should be applied for 10-15 minutes.

Q: Are high-tops, braces and taping effective in minimizing ankle sprains?
A: Many studies have shown that high-top shoes, bracing and/or taping ankles for athletic activities provides protection from ankle sprains. This is very important for athletes that have a history of ankle sprains. In addition to the extra support, athletes with a history of ankle sprains need to work on ankle strengthening and balance/coordination exercises.

Sophia R. Waters, MS, PT is a physical therapist and clinical director of Oconee Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation. Please email any questions to sophia@oconeept.com.