Understanding Sports-Related Pain

Soccer, baseball, football, gymnastics – children always come home from their sports activities with bumps and bruises. It is important to question and listen to a child about their pain. Here are some common sports injuries and the cause of pain associated with each.

Leg Cramps
Cause: loss of water, salt and potassium from excessive   perspiration
Symptom: pain from a spasm in the muscle

Shin Splints
Cause: running or jumping on hard surfaces
Symptom: intense pain in muscles around the shin

Sore Muscles
Cause: overusing a group of muscles, especially when starting
   a new exercise routine
Symptom: achy, sore muscles that appear a day or two after
   the activity

Sprains
Cause: sudden movement that causes damage to the tendons
  or ligaments around a joint.
Symptoms: joint pain, tenderness, bruising and swelling

Strains
Cause: torn or pulled muscle fibers, usually associated with
  lifting or falling
Symptoms: sharp pain, swelling, discoloration, loss of strength
  and power

Tennis Elbow
Cause: excessive strain on the forearm muscles caused by
  gripping and rotating motions
Symptoms:: radiating pain in the forearm and outer part of the
  elbow.

If your child exhibits any of these symptoms or conditions, call Dunn Wellness Center at (904) 249-1551 for an assessment and treatment.