Baseball and softball
Baseball and softball are extremely popular with American youth. Injuries are common because of the large number of participating athletes. While most injuries are acute, there are certain overuse injuries that often affect young ball players. Most of these injuries can be prevented. Below is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on the prevention of baseball and softball injuries. Also included is an overview of common injuries. Tips for injury prevention and safety Sports physical exam Athletes should undergo a physical exam (PSA) before participating to make sure they are ready to start the sport safely. The best time for a PSA is about 4 to 6 weeks before the start of the season. Athletes should also visit their doctors to perform routine screening for children. Fitness Athletes should maintain a good level of fitness during the season and out of season. Pre-season training should allow time for general conditioning and sports-specific conditioni...