A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that results in a temporary disruption of normal brain function. Sports are a major cause of concussions in children. It is important for parents to understand what a concussion is and how it can be recognized so that appropriate treatment and safety measures may be put in place to prevent further injury.

If your child sustains a minor soft-tissue injury (an injury involving the muscles, tendons, or ligaments), think: R.I.C.E.! The R.I.C.E. method is typically the first-line treatment for many minor sports injuries and is used to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and help speed recovery.

With lots of kids starting fall sports these last few weeks, it’s a great time to discuss popular types of sports injuries so that us parents (and our children!) can be well-prepared this sports season. Here we’ll consider two common injuries to look out for including what they are, how they happen, how they’re treated, and, most importantly, how they can be prevented.

Fall sports season is here, and our children are getting fresh air and exercise as well as building valuable skills, confidence, and good sportsmanship. And, most importantly, they’re having fun. But even with all of these benefits of youth sports, sports injuries pose a risk to our children’s health and safety. Nearly one-third of all injuries in children are sports-related injuries. It is important for parents and children to be aware of these risks so that proper measures may be taken to prevent them.