Fall sports and activities are some of the best parts of living in western Nebraska. Friday night football under the lights. Saturday volleyball tournaments. Cross country meets. Golf invitationals. Cheer and dance competitions. There is always a game, meet, or event to cheer on.
With all that activity comes the occasional sprain, twisted ankle, sore shoulder, or hard fall. And almost every parent has asked the same question:
“Do we need to get this checked, or will they be fine by Monday?”
The good news is that not every injury requires a trip to the emergency room. But knowing when to seek care can help your athlete recover faster and, most importantly, recover safely.
Myth #1: “If They Can Walk on It, They’re Probably Fine”
One of the biggest misconceptions in youth sports is that walking means an injury isn’t serious.
In reality, athletes can sometimes continue walking with certain fractures, ligament injuries, or muscle strains. During a game or competition, adrenaline can temporarily mask pain, making an injury seem less severe than it really is.
Did you know?
Many sports injuries do not fully show themselves until the next morning, after the excitement of competition wears off and swelling or stiffness begins.
If your athlete wakes up with more pain, swelling, stiffness, or difficulty moving a joint than they had the day before, it is worth paying attention.
Myth #2: “Ice Will Fix It”
Ice can be a helpful first step after an injury. It may reduce pain and swelling during the first day or two.
But ice does not repair a torn ligament, heal a fracture, or replace proper evaluation when something does not feel right.
Instead of only asking, “Should we ice it?” consider asking these questions:
- Is the pain getting worse instead of better?
- Can they move the joint normally?
- Can they put weight on it without significant pain?
- Does something feel different than typical soreness after practice?
Sometimes the best next step is not another ice pack. It is finding out what is going on.
Myth #3: “They’re Young. They’ll Bounce Back.”
Kids and teenagers are incredibly resilient. They often recover quickly, but their bodies are still growing and developing.
Because growing bones have areas that are more vulnerable than mature bones, some injuries in young athletes require extra attention.
Did you know?
Young athletes who specialize in one sport year-round may have a higher risk of overuse injuries than those who participate in a variety of activities throughout the year.
Listening when your child says something “just doesn’t feel right” can help prevent a small issue from becoming a bigger problem.
Who’s Watching from the Sidelines?
Here’s something many families don’t realize.
Did you know?
Sidney Regional Medical Center has a dedicated Sports Medicine Team that provides coverage at local sporting events throughout the school year.
Our certified physical therapists work alongside coaches, athletes, parents, and healthcare providers to evaluate injuries as they happen and help determine whether an athlete can safely return to play or needs additional medical care.
The support does not stop when the final whistle blows.
SRMC offers free sports injury evaluations at the SRMC Clinic for student athletes with new sports-related injuries. This gives families a convenient way to have an injury assessed without wondering if they should wait another day.
Our Sports Medicine Team also provides weekly outreach services at participating schools throughout western Nebraska, helping athletes receive follow-up care, rehabilitation guidance, and return-to-play recommendations closer to home.
Whether it is Friday night under the lights or Monday morning at school, our team is committed to helping local athletes recover safely and return to the activities they love.
Injuries Can Happen in Any Sport
Sports injuries are not limited to contact sports. Every activity places different demands on the body.
Athletes may experience:
- Football: Concussions, ankle sprains, shoulder injuries, and muscle strains
- Volleyball: Ankle sprains, knee injuries, and finger injuries
- Cross Country: Shin pain, stress injuries, and overuse problems
- Golf: Back, wrist, and elbow injuries from repetitive motion
- Cheer and Dance: Ankle sprains, knee injuries, muscle strains, and injuries from jumps, tumbling, or lifts
Did you know?
Cheer and dance athletes experience many of the same types of injuries seen in traditional sports. Strength, flexibility, balance, and proper technique all play an important role in preventing injuries.
When It’s Time to Get an Injury Checked
Some soreness after a tough practice is normal. Certain signs deserve a closer look.
Schedule an evaluation if your athlete has:
- Pain that is not improving after 24 to 48 hours
- Difficulty walking or putting weight on an arm or leg
- Significant swelling or bruising
- A joint that feels unstable or gives out
- Limited range of motion
- Numbness or tingling
- Head injuries followed by headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, or changes in behavior
Did you know?
Concussion symptoms do not always appear immediately. Headaches, dizziness, trouble concentrating, or sensitivity to light may develop hours after an injury.
Returning to play too soon can also increase the risk of another injury. Sometimes taking one game off can help prevent missing an entire season.
The Goal Isn’t Just Getting Back in the Game
Every parent has asked the same question after a game:
“Do you think they’ll be okay?”
Sometimes the answer is yes.
Sometimes the answer is, “Let’s get it checked.”
Taking the time to evaluate an injury early can help support a faster recovery, a safer return to play, and confidence that your athlete is ready for the next game, match, or meet.
At Sidney Regional Medical Center, our goal is not simply to get athletes back in the game. It’s to help them return safely so they can continue doing what they love all season long. Expert sports medicine care is closer than you think. Schedule your FREE sports injury evaluation today at 308-254-8088.