Although sports participation provides numerous physical and social benefits, it also Play it Safe has a downside: risk of sports-related injuries. FOOTBALL

Common Injuries & Issues Protective Gear Inside Tip sprains, strains, pulled muscles and bruises mouth and shin guards Knees and ankles tears to soft tissues like ligaments shoulder and chest/rib pads are most common broken bones, back and internal injures forearm, elbow, and thigh pads injury sites concussions males: athletic supporters sunburn proper shoes and sunscreen

BASEBALL & SOFTBALL

Common Injuries & Issues Protective Gear Inside Tip

soft tissue strains batting helmet mouth guard “Breakaway sunburn shin guards sunscreen bases” can be impact injuries that include fractures elbow guards cleats safer than caused by sliding and being hit by a ball males: athletic supporters hat traditional, stationary ones

BASKETBALL Common Injuries & Issues Protective Gear Inside Tip bruises, scrapes and cuts eye protection Strength training sprains, strains and fractures elbow and knee pads and aerobics injuries to teeth, ankles and knees males: athletic supporters can help avoid *Injury rates are higher in girls, especially proper shoes injuries for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). mouth guard

TRACK & FIELD

Common Injuries & Issues Protective Gear Inside Tip

strains and sprains proper shoes Inspect running shoes; if they scrapes from fall males: athletic supporters have worn thin or are angled, sunscreen they should be replaced

SOCCER

Common Injuries & Issues Protective Gear Inside Tip bruises, cuts and scrapes shin guards Proper training headaches cleats in “heading” sunburn males: athletic supporters the ball can help sunscreen limit injuries

GYMNASTICS

Common Injuries & Issues Protective Gear Inside Tip

soft tissue strains safety harness “RICE” (Rest, Ice, males: athletic supporters Compression, Elevation) joint supports (such as neoprene can be used to treat wraps) minor injuries

Sources: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) and STOPsportsinjuries.org