Inside the Numbers
It is estimated that 3.5 million children under the age of 14 receive medical treatment for sports injuries each year and that almost one-third of all injuries incurred during childhood are related to sports activities, with the most common injuries being strains and sprains. Here are the estimated number of children injured each year by sport:
· Football: 350,000+
· Basketball: 300,000+
· Soccer: 140,000+
· Baseball: 120,000+
· Swimming: 43,000+
· Wrestling: 33,500+
· Gymnastics: 26,500+
· Hockey: 21,000+
· Track and Field: 17,000+
In addition to the health consequences, the financial costs for treating injuries are estimated to be between $3 billion and $4 billion a year. In addition, the impact of childhood sports injuries on the number of school days missed can be significant. The Institute for Preventative Sports Medicine estimates that each year, there are almost 212 million school days missed by students attributable to musculoskeletal injuries, the vast majority of which are sports-related injuries.
Source: Claudia Annig D.C.
WOW! that's a lot of injuries and a lot of cost for treatment! thanks Dr. Bob
ReplyDeleteHi Sue,
ReplyDeleteYes, sports injuries are a very serious situation. They are costly, and can ruin your life if you are not careful. Children are being pushed very hard to excell in sports. Maybe we need to step back, and let them decide if this is what they really want.
Thank you,
Dr. Bob Moulas