Preventing & Treating High School Sports Injuries in Southeastern MA & RI

At Southcoast Health, our sports medicine team is trained to help athletes of all ages, whether in the pros or on the high school football team. Southcoast’s certified athletic trainers work with student athletes on many local high school teams, offering expert, first-line care for any sports injury.

For high school sports injuries in Fall River, Dartmouth, New Bedford or Wareham, MA, we can provide young athletes the quick care and lasting treatment they need. Find a doctor near you to see how we can help.

Tips for Kids & Sports Injuries

Here are some tips you can use to keep your kids safe and prevent injuries on and off the field:

• Before letting your child jump on their bicycle, test his or her helmet for a proper fit. The helmet should be level in the front and the back, and the buckles of the helmet should be located below each ear. The helmet should not move more than two inches when you try to gently pull it off.
• When playing soccer, young children should not “head” an adult-sized ball. If the ball is wet from rain, young children should not head the ball at all. If you want to practice heading the ball with children, use a soft ball like a beach ball.
• Children can pick up more than dirt when they play football in the backyard. They may also be exposed to toxic lead, which can cause brain damage. To protect against lead poisoning, spread a fine powder of calcium-phosphate rock (available at gardening stores) around your yard.
• High-top tennis shoes aren’t just hip, they can also prevent ankle sprains. High-tops provide about 30% more support to the ankle than other sneakers.

Through Charlton Memorial Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, Tobey Hospital and many physician practices, Southcoast Health provides care and treatment for high school sports injuries in Fall River, Dartmouth, New Bedford, Wareham, MA and parts of RI.