AAOS issues tips on avoiding baseball and softball injuries

Rosemont, IL – With baseball and softball season beginning, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is cautioning players on how to stay safe on the field through the STOP Sports Injuries campaign.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 750,000 Americans were treated in emergency departments for baseball or softball injuries in 2010. More than half of these injuries afflicted players 18 or younger.

To avoid injury, AAOS experts recommend:

• Players should warm up and stretch before and after play.
• Limit the number of teams your child plays on each season to reduce the risk of overuse injury.
• Do not allow your child to pitch on consecutive days.
• Players should wear batting helmets at the plate, in the on-deck circle and while baserunning.
• Adhere to pitch count guidelines established by Little League Baseball.
• Do not encourage children to play through pain. Be aware of their mannerisms and intervene if they appear to be injured.