Posted on 05-09-2025 in Rotator Cuff, Pediatric Injuries, Shoulder, Hand, Foot/Ankle, Youth Sports, Primary Care Sports Medicine, Knee & Injury Prevention by Dr. Joshua Hackel, Dr. Chris O'Grady, Dr. Roger Ostrander, Dr. Ryan Riggs
Youth sports participation promotes physical health and leadership skills and is a positive outlet for children within our communities. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 3.5 million youth sports injuries occur each year in the U.S. Of those injuries, one in three participants seeks medical attention, resulting in lost sports and school time. Fortunately, the CDC also concluded that more than 50 percent of these injuries are preventable.
In recognition of National Youth Sports Safety Month, the providers at North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists would like to take this opportunity to educate our community about the importance of injury prevention in youth sports to help minimize the risk while playing safely.
One of the most important steps in preventing sports injuries is proper conditioning. Young athletes should engage in a regular conditioning program that includes stretching and mobility training, as well as strength training and cardiovascular exercise. By building up their endurance and strength, young athletes will be better equipped to handle the demands of their sport and less likely to suffer from injuries like sprains, strains, and fractures.
In addition to proper conditioning, young athletes should also wear appropriate protective gear. Depending on the sport, this could include helmets, mouthguards, shin guards, or padding. Parents and coaches should ensure all equipment is fitted correctly and in good condition. Protective gear won't necessarily prevent all injuries but can minimize the risk of serious harm.
Another important factor in injury prevention is proper technique. Coaches should take the time to teach young athletes the correct way to perform specific moves or actions in their sport. For example, a basketball coach might teach players how to land safely after jumping, while a soccer coach might instruct players on kicking the ball without putting excessive strain on their knees. Athletes using the proper technique are less likely to experience overuse injuries or strains caused by incorrect movements.
Finally, maintaining adequate nutrition and hydration is one of the most overlooked aspects of injury prevention. By following basic guidelines for proper nutrition, athletes can stay at peak performance before, during, and after activities. Considering Florida's extreme heat and humidity, maintaining adequate hydration is equally crucial in preventing heat strokes and overall performance.
Ultimately, the key to injury prevention in youth sports is a combination of education, preparation, and awareness. By learning about injury prevention strategies, young athletes, parents, and coaches can work together to create a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved. For additional information and helpful resources, visit the STOP Sports Injuries campaign online.
It's also important to recognize when an injury has occurred and seek medical attention promptly. Ignoring or playing through pain can only worsen an injury and prolong recovery. As experts in their field, Dr. Josh Hackel, Dr. Chris O'Grady, Dr. Roger Ostrander and Dr. Ryan Riggs provide specialized care for various youth sports injuries and conditions. Learn more about our orthopaedic and sports medicine specialists or request an appointment online today.
Arthritis represents a wide variety of joint inflammation diseases. Patients most often have chronic Arthritis in their wrists, hands, and fingers, experiencing flares of inflammation, soreness or stiffness affecting the joints. As we recently wrapped up Bone & Joint Action Week, this is an excellent opportunity to bring awareness to the most common categories of Arthritis, proactive methods for pain prevention and available treatment solutions.
Arthritis literally translates to “inflammation of the joint” and describes the degenerative process through which a joint space loses its “cushioning,” whether are the result of injury, illness or the natural process of aging. It is the leading cause of musculoskeletal pain and can be found in almost every part of the body, from the shoulder all the way down to the smallest joint of the toe. Our joints are intricate structures shaped from cartilage, bone, muscle and connective tissue, all of which can gradually weaken over time or be damaged by acute injury. While there are more than one hundred known types of arthritis, the three most common forms are osteoarthritis, which is by far the most prevalent; rheumatoid arthritis, which is caused by the body’s own immune system generating a chronic inflammatory response in the joints; and post-traumatic arthritis, which is caused by the lingering structural damage of acute injuries.
Research from the National Library of Medicine states that one in seven people in the United States suffers from some form of wrist arthritis. That estimate indicates that just over 13% of the American population experiences discomfort, inflammation or limited range in motion due to this condition. As we usher in the month of May and recognize National Arthritis Awareness Month, we want to emphasize wrist arthritis and provide an overview of the condition, symptoms to be aware of, treatment options, and tips for managing its symptoms.