Injury Recognition

Prevention and Treatment of Youth Sport Injuries
an Online Resource

• Burns
• Concussions
• Fractures
• Heat Illness
• Dehydration
• Lightning Strike/Cardiac Arrest
• Neurological
• Sprains
• Strains
• Wounds
• Overuse Injuries

Burns (cold/Heat) due to cold (frostbite) and heat (sunburns) present surprisingly similarly. For frostbite ans sunburns there are 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree burns, while frostbite has a 4th degree severity. 1st degree burns show erythema (redness), swelling, numbness and pain, and a full recovery is suspected. 2nd degree burns typically also exhibit blistering and since the skin breaks with blisters athletes are at risk of infection. An appointment with a physician should be made for wound treatment and possible antibiotics. There may be permanent areas of neuropathy and sensitivity in these areas. 3rd degree burns have full thickness destruction of the skin with blisters. Frostbite also has a 4th degree burn. Frostbite burns penetrate through the skin, tendons, muscle and bone and can result in loss of limb and amputation. 3rd and 4th degree burns are not prevalent in athletics, but should an athlete obtain a sever burn, then the athlete should be presented to the ER immediately.

This tool was constructed using the expertise of certified athletic trainers, an orthopedic surgeon, and a certified teacher/web site designer. These professionals were selected for their abilities to interpret medical information and to instruct diverse populations.