Safe Kids USA Teams Up With HSS To Promote Sport Safety
NEW YORK—April 5, 2008
It's that time of year when softball players and Little Leaguers are dusting off home plate, choking up, and getting those throwing arms going. And even though it's not the Big Leagues, it doesn't mean they can't wind up on the disabled list like Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez.
Docs say one of the most common types of injuries for young kids is throwing injuries from over-use.
"These kids are still growing, and we forget about that. And it is the act of growing bones and the weaknesses of growing bones that really present the big risk here, and we have to respect that," said Dr. David Altchek, Sports Medicine co-chief, Hospital for Special Surgery.
Safe Kids is making sure young players, parents, and coaches know the fundamentals of pitching, and the safe number to throw. For example, no more than 50 pitches should be thrown each day for kids ages 7 and 8 and no more than 95 a day for 13 - 16 year-olds.
They also want to make sure players get adequate rest, and time to strengthen and train.
As we get further into softball and baseball season, another thing doctors want to remind parents and coaches about is these injuries can often be silent, and many times children might not complain. Left unchecked, some injuries can lead to early arthritis or other serious disabilities.
View the full story on NY1 News.
For Media Contacts:
Phyllis Fisher
212.606.1197
fisherp@hss.edu
Tracy Hickenbottom
212.606.1197
hickenbottomt@hss.edu