What can be done to prevent or minimize overuse injuries?
The following should be considered. • Avoid overuse. As discussed above, use common sense, and tailor a training program suitable for that child, taking into consideration his maturity and athletic ability. • Proper nutrition. Make sure child has enough nutrition for growth and sports. • Pre-sports physical. Any anatomic malignment should be corrected. For example, shoe inserts for pes valgus and genu valgum. Any tight muscles or tendons, or muscle imbalance should be corrected by stretching and strengthening exercises. For example, hamstring and heel cord tightness should be corrected by stretching. Muscle imbalance between the vastus lateralis and medialis (VMO) should be corrected to prevent patello-femoral pain. Any systemic or other general health problems should be addressed before the child participates in competitive sports. • Proper warmup and stretching exercises specific to the sports before playing. Proper warmup could consist of 5 minutes of jogging till one gets a slight
