Kids’ Sports Injuries
School sports are an enjoyable part of life for many families. Unfortunately, sports injuries happen, and parents may wonder whether their child’s sports injury is an emergency and where to seek medical care.
We encourage you to visit us at Prestige ER. In the event your child experiences an injury, our sports injury doctors are ready to help.
We offer a full spectrum of diagnostic services, including X-rays, CT scans, ultrasound, and an on-site lab. You can count on receiving a rapid diagnosis and treatment for your child.
At Prestige ER, our experienced staff is equipped to treat a wide variety of injuries. Some of the most common child sports injuries include concussions, fractures, sprains, shoulder dislocations, scrapes, and bruises.
Concussion
A concussion happens when an impact to your child’s head causes temporary trauma to their brain. It may temporarily interfere with their brain’s normal function, but full recovery is often expected.
Common symptoms of a concussion include
- Headache.
- Dizziness.
- Confusion.
- Memory problems.
- Attention problems.
- Irritability.
- Sleepiness.
Symptoms of a more severe head injury may include
- Unconsciousness.
- Seizures.
- Changes in the size of one pupil.
- Speech difficulty.
- Vomiting.
- Extreme drowsiness.
If you think your child has suffered a concussion, seek medical care.
After a concussion, your child’s provider may instruct you to gradually reintroduce activities like schoolwork before allowing your child to return to sports. Their developing brain needs to have time to heal.
Fractures
Fractures are another kids’ sports injury. If you think your child may have broken a bone, they should be seen immediately in an emergency.
A fracture needs to be assessed and treated by a provider as quickly as possible to prevent further damage to surrounding tissues, including nerves, blood vessels, bones, and ligaments.
At Prestige ER, our clinicians are experienced and fully equipped to diagnose and treat fractures and provide care to relieve symptoms.
Signs of a fracture may include
- Significant pain.
- Deformed limb or joint.
- Bruised or tender tissue over the injury site.
- Discomfort when moving a limb.
Falling on an outstretched hand (F.O.O.S.H.) is one common cause of wrist fractures in children. If your child is having pain after a fall like this, you should seek care in an ER.
A compound fracture, when a broken bone breaks through the skin, is more obvious and involves bleeding and visible bone or bone fragments. If a compound fracture is bleeding heavily, apply pressure to the wound and call 911 instead of transporting your child to an ER.
If you suspect your child has fractured their neck, back, or skull, do not move them. Call 911.
Sprains
Ankle sprains are a common injury for children in many sports and outdoor activities. Sprains are typically caused by rolling or twisting the ankle unusually while walking or running.
Prestige ER is equipped to diagnose ankle injuries and provide rapid treatment.
Symptoms of a sprained ankle may include
- Ankle pain.
- Pain when bearing weight.
- Swelling.
- Tenderness.
- Bruising.
Treatment of your child’s ankle injury in the emergency room will depend on the result of a careful assessment and diagnosis.
Your child’s provider will gather information about their injury, test their ankle for range of motion and tenderness, and order diagnostic imaging as indicated.
Treatment may include an ankle splint or compression wrap, ice, and medication for pain and inflammation.
Shoulder Dislocations
A shoulder dislocation happens when a sudden force—such as a fall or hard hit to the body—pushes the upper arm bone out of its position in the shoulder joint.
Dislocations are painful and must be treated in an ER setting immediately to prevent further injury.
Common symptoms of a shoulder dislocation include
- Difficulty using the arm and shoulder.
- Pain.
- Swelling.
- Redness and bruising.
- Deformity (a change in the normal alignment of the arm and shoulder).
A provider will assess your child’s arm and shoulder in the emergency room. Sometimes, the bones may have already gone back into alignment on their own.
In other cases, a provider may need to push the arm back into the joint.
Other treatments may include rest, ice, compression, elevation (R.I.C.E.), and pain medication. Surgery may be needed if tendons or ligaments are torn or the dislocation cannot be corrected without it.
Scrapes and Bruises
Scrapes, cuts, and bruises are common sports injuries in kids. While minor scrapes can often be treated with antibiotic ointment and a bandage, extensive scrapes may require more attention. Minor bruises are common, but a significant impact with extreme pain may indicate a fracture. When in doubt, visit us at Prestige ER.
When your child arrives with a sports injury, doctors will rapidly assess them and get them the necessary care. Scrapes may require careful cleaning and wound care. Cuts may require stitches and a tetanus booster shot if indicated.
Kids’ Sports Injury Treatment in the Emergency Room
At Prestige ER, we know that having an injured child is frightening and stressful. We strive to provide a comfortable environment for you and your child.
Our providers are experienced in caring for children and families and will work to give you peace of mind while providing prompt, excellent medical care.
Prestige ER is a trusted provider of pediatric sports injury treatment and care for a spectrum of other pediatric medical emergencies.
We are veteran-owned and dedicated to our community. Call us with any questions or walk into any of our San Antonio locations today.
