Sport is wonderful for children and young people. It teaches them discipline, team work, and application; it improves their fitness and self-esteem; but it can bring injury if one is not mindful. How can you encourage competitive participation while at the same time preventing injury and damage?

Firstly, you need to know of any medical conditions or previous injuries that could be exacerbated by playing a particular sport or activity. Then you should look for coaches or clubs that have experience and qualifications in their chosen field, as well as those that are happy to answer any questions you have.Additional information can be found at http://www.zocdoc.com/answers/5471/besides-arthritis-or-injury-what-could-be-causing-my-back-pain-or-joint-pa.

However, youthful exuberance and defiance can result in athletes continuing to play when really they need to rest and heal. Although younger players do tend to recover from injuries far quicker than older ones trying to hang on to their youth, they can still suffer from trying to play through pain. And when pride is at stake or an important match is looming, then pretending to be fine and well is one problem that coaches and parents have to deal with responsibly.

Pain is the body telling you something is wrong. After training or a game, it is normal for the athlete to have soreness and discomfort, and depending on the sport, even a cut or bruise. After a proper warm down and night’s rest, most of these dissipate to a slight ache. If it is still painful, then attention is needed, the sooner the better.

Having an injury looked at early is always going to be better than waiting to see what happens. If things get painful, in training or in playing, then it is time to stop. No one gains from playing through the pain, and all the positives of sporting involvement can be undone if unnecessary injury blights a young person’s experience.