AFC Urgent Care South Plainfield wants to make sure that athletes, parents, and coaches are all aware of the information needed to help keep your kids in the game during the fall season! Safety is our top priority here, so here are a few tips on how to help prevent injuries this season.
Athletes, it is important that you know your limits. Full speeds and direct contact in any sport can cause an injury, regardless of protective gear! Here are a few injuries to look out for:

• Traumatic injuries such as damage to your knees, shoulders and torn ACL’s.
• Overuse injuries such as lower-back pain and general back pain.
• Concussions are very common, regardless of helmets. Be sure that if you feel any discomfort that you seek medical attention immediately. Untreated concussions can often lead to bigger problems in the future.
• Heat-related injuries are a major concern, especially during the fall season. Training typically starts in August when the temperatures and humidity are extremely high.

Parents, if you see your child acting strangely after practice or a game, you should be sure to take note of their actions. Children often sustain two types of injuries while playing sports: acute and overuse. Here are a few tips on how to tell if your child is injured:

• Difficulty during daily activities such as walking, sitting, climbing stairs, etc.
• Experiencing unusual weakness.
• Headaches during/after activity.
• Avoiding putting weight on a certain body part or appearing to be in pain when using a particular body part.
• Stiffness in the joints or muscles.

Coaches, it is your responsibility as their leader and coach that your athletes are taught the proper and safe ways to participate in sports. The following are a few examples:

• Be sure each child has their annual pre-participation physical exam completed by their physician.
• Warm up properly before practice and a game.
• Allow your athletes to cool down and take breaks in the warm weather, especially during the fall season where heat and humidity are common.
• User the proper training and technique to avoid injuries.

If your student or child has been complaining of any injuries due to physical activity, contact AFC Urgent Care in South Plainfield today. We have an on-site x-ray and lab available every day to treat acute injuries for athletes. We also provide sport physicals for those in need, so stop by 7 days a week – no appointments necessary!