The pediatrician spoke about the health risks of young athletes

Children who exercise regularly, especially at a professional level, have an increased risk of developing certain disorders. First of all, we are talking about problems from the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. Evgenia Malygina, a pediatrician at the SM Clinic for Children, told Izvestia about this on March 27.

"It is important to understand that any child can have health problems, regardless of the level of physical activity. No one is immune from infections, chronic diseases, or conditions related to genetics and family history. At the same time, adequate physical activity generally has a positive effect on the body: it increases resistance to infections, reduces the risk of obesity, and helps maintain normal blood lipids and blood pressure levels," Malygina said.

However, according to her, young athletes have their own peculiarities. Increased stress increases the risk of injury — ligament and joint damage, bone fractures, including in the area of growth zones (epiphyses), which in the future may affect the growth and development of the child.

"The cardiovascular system, which athletes use under constant stress, requires special attention, ensuring oxygen delivery to organs and muscles. Normally, this leads to adaptive changes. However, with excessive loads or hidden pathologies, such changes may go beyond the physiological norm, increasing the risk of developing pathologies of the cardiovascular system," the pediatrician warned.

Personal move: smart orthosis with stiffness options will restore after injury

How a new rehabilitation tool will help make life easier for patients

The doctor stressed that it is important for parents to be attentive to any complaints of the child. Pain during physical activity, dizziness, darkening of the eyes, nausea during exercise, discomfort or pain in the chest, a feeling of heart failure — all this should be a reason to consult a pediatrician. Even if the problem is not directly related to pediatrics, the doctor will help you navigate and refer you to the right specialist or for additional examinations.

At the same time, the pediatrician noted that medical examination plays a key role in the prevention and early detection of possible violations. It allows you to detect or suspect pathology in a timely manner and take action before it becomes chronic. Children who are actively involved in sports should not only undergo annual age-related checkups, but also regularly undergo electrocardiography to assess heart function. If necessary, they are shown consultations with a cardiologist, orthopedic traumatologist and other specialized specialists, especially in the presence of concomitant diseases.

"Admission to sports should be carried out only after a comprehensive examination and the conclusion of the attending pediatrician. It is important to take into account not only the absence of contraindications, but also the individual characteristics of the child — his level of physical fitness, anatomy, skills and, of course, the desire to practice. Health should always remain a priority so that sport brings benefits and pleasure, and does not become a source of problems," concluded Malygina.

Medical Xpress magazine reported on March 4 that parents can reduce the risk of injury in child athletes if they encourage them to engage in multiple sports. Focusing on one sport at an early age, in turn, increases the risk of injury, which can manifest itself even in adulthood. The study involved more than 1,000 students aged 18 to 22 from five universities.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.