As youth sports get more competitive, we’re seeing a surge in elbow and shoulder injuries, particularly among pint-sized pitchers. The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL)-the superhero of elbow stability-is sporting some serious battle scars, leaving countless young athletes whining in pain. Most of these are overuse and with kids playing more than a game of hot potato, experts raise an alarm call regarding a potential epidemic in the making!
Concussion: The Sneaky Villain in Sport
Just when you thought the injuries were over, comes the sneaky culprit: concussions. Coaches, trainers and physicians are taking on the role of sleuths, conducting very thorough sideline investigations. They look for clues by symptom checklists and memory games as well as neurological exams to determine whether or not the player has taken one too many hits to the head. Dizziness, headaches and an uncanny ability to forget your favorite pizza topping can all signal trouble.
When to Get Back in the Game?
The million-dollar question all young athletes want an answer to – when can I play again? Return to play is only safe if all symptoms have resolved and if a qualified healthcare provider clears you for play.
Only when an athlete is asymptomatic and has had an opportunity for evaluation by a health care provider should they be allowed to return to play. Neurocognitive testing often is compared with baseline results to determine whether the brain is safe to resume physical activity. Experts note that even though symptoms may recede, the brain is not necessarily healed, so comprehensive evaluation is necessary to avoid further damage.
Both elbow injuries and concussions raise just-needed attention to injury prevention and proper recovery protocols in youth sports.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
