Children Sports Injuries – Dr. Carol Frey is a highly regarded orthopedic surgery who has cared for Olympians and professional athletes. She has written a book. “Don’t Worry: My Mom is the Team Doctor” gives great insight of what it’s like to have athletes in the house and how to deal with injuries.
Don’t Worry: My Mom is the Team Doctor
Lumps, Bumps, and Bruises. As the Holiday Season is approaching, and kids get to take a break from athletics, it’s time to reflect a bit on our loved ones who play sports. At the West Coast Center for Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine (866-591-4844) we are lucky enough to call Dr. Carol Frey one of our own. The world renown surgeon and former Chief of Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Chief at USC has some great advise for parents whose kids play sports.
Children Sports Injuries – Woman comforting little girl on floor who hurt her knee
So, Doc, what are the biggest risks for kids playing sports?
“Children have less coordination and less motor skills than adults. Therefore with respect to sports, this can lead to risky behavior. And risky behavior can lead to injury”, says Dr. Frey. There is also an “increase in intensity and physical demands as the kid moves rom youth to club sports and from middle to high school”, Frey continues. Further may their enthusiasm outweigh their skill set in the beginning. Again, as Dr. Frey states a “road that can lead to injury”.
Research shows that during puberty boys report more injuries than girls because they are usually bigger, stronger, and the hits are often times heavier on the playing field. New data from Ohio State University indicates that girls may be more prone to ankle sprains, hip pain, and back pain. They are more likely to have chronic knee pain.
Okay, and which sports are the most dangerous for our children?
Dr. Frey answers: “One recent injury survey by Safe Kids found that among young athletes the most injuries occurred in Football (28 %), Baseball (25 %), Soccer (22 %), Basketball (15%) and Softball (12%). Dr. Frey conducted a study together with her colleagues Dr. Keith Feder and Jill Sleight (ATC, a certified athletic trainer). The reported 7890 injuries in student athletes from 27 California high schools. The data was collected fro three consecutive school years.
In that study 62 % of the athletes were male and 38 % were female. Nearly 40 000 athletes were evaluated for this study. Knowledge that was brought to the West Coast Center for Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, knowledge that helped turning this practice in Manhattan Beach to one of the nation’s leading sports medicine facilities.
Children Sports Injuries – sportsman massaging his injured ankle after a sport accident
And where do the kids get hurt the most during sports?
The majority of the injuries, Dr. Frey continues, were in the lower extremity (legs, knees, ankles, feet). For both male and female athletes. Top of the list is ankle (25 % of all injuries), followed by knee (13 %) and Wrist (11 %).
Children Sports Injuries – Hockey player down on the ice
Who can help? – Well, West Coast Center for Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine is the location to be when you are injured. Just ask Holly McPeak, three time Olympian and five time MVP. No other woman player has had more impact on the beach volleyball scene than McPeak. She says: ,,Dr. Frey is the one that will help you deal with your injury. Her book will further help you to avoid unnecessary risk , train properly, recognize pain and play without fear and for the joy of the game”.
For an appointment with Dr. Frey, pls call our office at (866) 591-4844. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones and is ready to help.
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