Category: Newsletter

How to Prevent Common Sports Injuries in Kids & Teens 

Sports are a fantastic way for kids and teens to stay active, build teamwork skills, and develop lifelong healthy habits. However, with physical activity comes the risk of injury. Whether your child is a budding athlete or simply enjoys playing recreational sports, understanding how to prevent common injuries can keep them safe and performing at their best.

Most Common Sports Injuries in Kids & Teens

Some of the most frequent sports-related injuries among young athletes include:

  • Sprains & Strains: Overstretching or tearing of ligaments, muscles, and tendons often occur due to sudden movements or inadequate warm-ups.
  • Fractures: Broken bones from falls, collisions, or impact during contact sports.
  • ACL Tears & Knee Injuries: Common in sports that involve jumping, pivoting, or sudden direction changes (e.g., basketball, soccer, and football).
  • Concussions: Head injuries that occur in contact sports such as football, soccer, and cheerleading.
  • Overuse Injuries: Repetitive motion injuries, such as stress fractures and tendinitis, often develop when young athletes don’t allow enough time for recovery.

Top Injury Prevention Tips

The good news is that many of these injuries can be prevented with the proper precautions. Here are key strategies to help keep athletes safe:

  1. Warm Up & Cool Down Properly 
    A proper warm-up prepares the body for activity, reducing the risk of strains and muscle injuries. Encourage your child to start with dynamic stretching and light aerobic exercises before practice or a game. Cooling down with static stretches afterward helps prevent stiffness and aids in recovery.
  2.  Strength & Conditioning Matters 
    Building strong muscles and improving flexibility can reduce the risk of injuries. Strength training (using body weight or resistance bands) and balance exercises can enhance stability and minimize falls. Exercises that focus on core and leg strength are especially beneficial in preventing knee and ankle injuries.
  3. Use Proper Gear & Equipment 
    Wearing sport-specific protective gear, such as helmets, shin guards, mouthguards, and supportive footwear, can significantly reduce injury risks. Ensure that all equipment is the right size and in good condition.
  4. Teach & Practice Proper Technique 
    Coaches, trainers, and teachers should emphasize correct form and technique in every physical activity. Whether it’s tackling in football, landing from a jump in gymnastics, swinging a bat in baseball, or lifting weights in gym class, using proper technique can prevent unnecessary strain and impact injuries.
  5. Avoid Overuse Injuries by Allowing Rest 
    Playing the same sport year-round can lead to overuse injuries. Encourage cross-training with different activities to work various muscle groups and allow for adequate rest. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends taking at least one to two days off per week from intense physical activity.
  6. Stay Hydrated & Eat a Balanced Diet 
    Dehydration and poor nutrition can increase the risk of cramps, fatigue, and poor performance, all of which may lead to injuries. Young athletes should drink plenty of water and replenish electrolytes before, during, and after exercise, especially in extreme temperatures. A diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates helps fuel their bodies and supports muscle recovery. Additionally, supplementing with vitamin D3 can help promote strong bones and overall bone health.
  7. Listen to Your Body & Don’t Play Through Pain 
    If a young athlete experiences persistent pain, swelling, or discomfort, they should not just brush it off. They should take a break, rest for at least a week, rather than just a few days, and seek medical attention if the symptoms don’t improve. When returning to a sport or activity, a gradual increase in workload is crucial, especially after a break. Jumping back in too quickly can overload growing joints and muscles. Easing back in can help prevent long-term damage and keep athletes healthy for the season ahead.

What to Do If an Injury Happens

Even with the best precautions, injuries can still occur. When they do, follow these steps:

  • Rest: Avoid using the injured area to prevent further damage.
  • Ice: Apply ice to reduce swelling and pain (20 minutes at a time).
  • Compression: Use a wrap or brace to provide support.
  • Elevation: Keep the injured limb elevated to minimize swelling.
  • Seek Professional Care: If the injury is severe or persistent, consult an orthopedic specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

TOC: Your Trusted Partner

At The Orthopaedic Center (TOC), our team of Pediatric and Sports Medicine specialists are dedicated to helping young athletes stay healthy and perform at their best. Whether it’s injury prevention, treatment, or rehabilitation, we’re here to provide expert care.

If your child has experienced a sports injury or needs a consultation, contact TOC today to schedule an appointment. Let’s keep our kids strong, safe, and ready to play!

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Meet the Newest Physicians at TOC

Meet the Newest Physicians at TOC: Leaders in Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine

At The Orthopaedic Center (TOC), we are proud to welcome three exceptional new physicians to our team, each bringing advanced expertise, compassionate care, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve. From complex trauma and joint reconstruction to non-surgical sports medicine, these specialists are here to help you move better and live stronger.

 

Wesley Honeycutt, MD

Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery

Born and raised in Huntsville, Dr. Wesley Honeycutt returns home with world-class training and a mission to serve. A fellowship-trained orthopaedic trauma surgeon, Dr. Honeycutt specializes in complex fracture care, pelvis and acetabular reconstruction, and nonunion fracture revision. After earning his medical degree and completing residency at the University of South Alabama, he trained at Emory University’s Grady Memorial Hospital, one of the nation’s busiest Level I trauma centers.

Dr. Honeycutt also brings invaluable experience from his service in the U.S. Air Force, where he treated high-acuity trauma at Brooke Army Medical Center and trained military medical personnel. With numerous academic presentations, published research, and a heart for community service, Dr. Honeycutt is dedicated to restoring mobility and hope for patients across North Alabama.

 

 

Cody Russell, MD

Sports Medicine

Dr. Cody Russell joins TOC with a passion for keeping athletes and active individuals at their best. A former collegiate decathlete, Dr. Russell brings personal insight and professional excellence to his work in non-surgical sports medicine. After completing medical school at East Tennessee State University and residency in Emergency Medicine, he pursued fellowship training in Primary Care Sports Medicine at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

Dr. Russell has cared for athletes at every level, from the Cleveland Browns and Ironman Florida and will be with high school teams right here in Huntsville. Board-certified and fellowship-trained, he focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal injuries without surgery, helping patients of all ages return to the activities they love with confidence and care.

 

John David Murphy, DO, MBA

General Orthopaedics 

Dr. John David Murphy brings high-level expertise in joint replacement and limb preservation to TOC and Huntsville Hospital. A North Alabama native, Dr. Murphy earned his medical degree from the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine and holds an MBA from Troy University. He completed his orthopaedic residency in Tampa Bay, followed by an advanced fellowship in Adult Limb Reconstruction at UAB.

With special interests in robotic-assisted surgery, primary and revision total joint arthroplasty, and innovative surgical technologies, Dr. Murphy is committed to delivering personalized, evidence-based care to patients with joint degeneration or complex orthopaedic needs. His return to the region reflects his dedication to serving his community with skill, heart, and a deep respect for every patient’s journey toward healing.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic joint pain, or seeking non-surgical treatment, our newest physicians bring unmatched training and a shared commitment to improving lives through expert orthopaedic care.

 

 

 

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Staff Spotlight: Pediatric Orthopaedics Team

TOC's Pediatric Orthopaedic Specialists: Dr. Steven Buckley; Jennifer Sharp, CRNP; Elizabeth Schwarze, CRNP; Dr. Michael Lawley
TOC’s Pediatric Orthopaedic Specialists (l-r): Dr. Steven Buckley (29 years of experience); Jennifer Sharp, CRNP (17 years); Elizabeth Schwarze, CRNP (10 years); and Dr. Michael Lawley (10 years).

The Pediatric Orthopaedics team at TOC always strives to makes a difference in the lives of our youngest patients while bringing peace of mind to their families. Over the years, this team has supported thousands of local families through the diagnosis and treatment of their child’s specific health challenges. Their goal is to improve the patient’s quality of life by compassionately caring for their health issue. We treat orthopaedic issues specific to the growing bones of a child from infancy to adolescents such as growth plate injuries, sports injuries, fractures, clubfoot deformity, hip dysplasia, scoliosis, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and limb length discrepancy.

A combined 66 years of experience

The heart of this dedicated team is made up of two fellowship trained Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dr. Steven L. Buckley and Dr. Michael G. Lawley; and two dedicated Nurse Practitioners, Elizabeth Schwarze and Jennifer Sharp. Together they offer the only specialized pediatric orthopaedic services within 100 miles, at three north Alabama TOC locations: Huntsville, Madison & Athens. TOC is so proud of this team and the quality pediatric orthopaedic treatment they provide for our young patients.

A community focus

The entire TOC Pediatric Team is committed to our community. When they are not serving the needs of TOC patients, all of the team members volunteer their skills with Children’s Rehabilitation Service, a statewide organization that coordinates various providers, who together build a brighter future for disabled youth and their families.

(This article originally appeared in TOC’s Spring 2019 newsletter.)

Now open: Pediatric Injury Clinic

Child with soccer ball | Pediatric Injury Clinic | TOC | Huntsville, AL

To better meet the urgent and unique needs of an adventurous child, TOC’s Pediatric Team is now offering a Pediatric Injury Clinic offering walk-in* care any weekday afternoon:

Mon-Fri 1:00-4:00, 5th Floor, Huntsville Main Location (927 Franklin St.)

* Most insurances accepted; physician referral may be required by your insurance.