In 2010, there were more than 414,000 Americans treated in hospitals, physicians' offices and emergency rooms for baseball-related injuries, and more than 282 of those injuries occurred in athletes 18 years old or younger, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
In addition to the baseball-related injuries, softball players accounted for more than 336,500 Americans treated in hospitals, physicians' offices and emergency rooms. Of those patients, 135,400 were 18 years old or younger.
In a release published by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, orthopedic surgeons addressed the high level of injuries among baseball players and make recommendations on preventing sprains, strains and overuse injuries:
• Warm-up and stretch before play
• Limit the number of teams children play on during a single season
• Wear a batting helmet at the plate and in the "on deck circle"
• Employ proper sliding technique (feet first with head up)
• Develop skills at the appropriate age
• Speak with sports medicine professionals about injury concerns
For pitchers, Little League Baseball recommends pitch counts of 50 pitches for 7-8 year olds, 75 for 9-10 year olds, 85 for 11-12 year olds, 95 for 13-16 year olds and 105 for 17-18 year olds.
Read the AAOS release about baseball injuries.
Related Articles to Sports Injuries:
STOP Sports Injury National Campaign Provides Material for Physicians, Coaches, Young Athletes
5 Strategies for Preventing Overuse Injuries in Youth Sports Medicine
How Physicians Can Help Decrease Injuries in Young Athletes: Q&A With Rothman Institute's Dr. Michael Ciccotti
In addition to the baseball-related injuries, softball players accounted for more than 336,500 Americans treated in hospitals, physicians' offices and emergency rooms. Of those patients, 135,400 were 18 years old or younger.
In a release published by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, orthopedic surgeons addressed the high level of injuries among baseball players and make recommendations on preventing sprains, strains and overuse injuries:
• Warm-up and stretch before play
• Limit the number of teams children play on during a single season
• Wear a batting helmet at the plate and in the "on deck circle"
• Employ proper sliding technique (feet first with head up)
• Develop skills at the appropriate age
• Speak with sports medicine professionals about injury concerns
For pitchers, Little League Baseball recommends pitch counts of 50 pitches for 7-8 year olds, 75 for 9-10 year olds, 85 for 11-12 year olds, 95 for 13-16 year olds and 105 for 17-18 year olds.
Read the AAOS release about baseball injuries.
Related Articles to Sports Injuries:
STOP Sports Injury National Campaign Provides Material for Physicians, Coaches, Young Athletes
5 Strategies for Preventing Overuse Injuries in Youth Sports Medicine
How Physicians Can Help Decrease Injuries in Young Athletes: Q&A With Rothman Institute's Dr. Michael Ciccotti