Parenting can be challenging at times, but parenting a child who participates in different athletics and physical hobbies can be a bit overwhelming. Injuries can be quite common if your child is constantly playing outside or enjoying their favorite sports and other activities. Thankfully, you can help your child deal with the pain and even immobility of some of these common injuries. Here are a few of the most common sports-related injuries your child may face:

Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments and tissues that connect the ankle joint stretch beyond their normal limits. In some cases, this stretching can lead to a tear, as well.

Sprains of the ankle are most common in sports and activities where the ankle is turned and twisted frequently, so if your child plays basketball, soccer, or participates in dance, they will have a higher risk of spraining the ankle.

Signs of an ankle sprain include pain and difficulty moving or placing any weight on the ankle joint and swelling around the ankle. Bruising, discoloration, and stiffness are also common signs of a sprain.

In most cases, no treatment is necessary if your child has sprained their ankle, but a trip to a walk-in clinic can be helpful. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation, or RICE therapy will be recommended. However, they would be evaluated by a doctor to check for any tears, which could require surgery, or fractures, which will require a cast of sorts.

ACL Tear

An ACL tear is another common injury many young athletes face. The ACL or anterior cruciate ligament is one of the main ligaments that stabilize the knee joint. Although they are meant to stretch, the ACL is not meant to stretch to the point where it tears.

Understanding how an ACL tears is smart, but it is difficult to prevent especially if your child enjoys playing a specific sport. If your child suddenly stops while running, jumps a lot, or takes off in an entirely different direction when running and jumping, they are at risk of an ACL tear. These are all common motions in most sports, so it is easy to see why it is such a common injury.

While surprising to learn, a loud popping sound may be heard when your child tears their ACL. Pain and swelling in the knee are also probable symptoms of an ACL tear. Most children will not be able to walk or place any weight on the knee, as well.

Surgery is necessary if your child tears their ACL. Make sure to have their knee evaluated by professionals as soon as possible.