It’s Autumn already and the football is on the telly all the time and the Witchlings are back at school.  They are both obsessing about hockey and netball trials and set off to school with bags bulging with towels and tracksuits and netball skirts and football socks in preparation to do battle on the playing fields.

As the leaves begin to turn red there is evidence to show a dramatic increase in the numbers of ankle injuries befalling young people.  I have been doing my own homework, while they toil over theirs, and have come up with 6 tips to keep your kids in one piece this Autumn while they throw themselves about in the mud. Well their Ankles anyway!
Ankle injuries need to be treated immediately.  “What seems like a sprain is not always a sprain; in addition to cartilage injuries, your son or daughter might have injured other bones in the foot without knowing it. Have a qualified doctor examine the injury,” says Dr Good, a physician who injured his own ankle as a youth but after prompt treatment and rehabilitation, is now able to compete in triathlons. He warns that if ankle injuries are not given immediate attention then the child runs the risk of arthritis and other joint problems in later life.
–Before the football/hockey season starts, get any old injuries checked over. A check up can reveal a vulnerable ankle that could be prone to sprains more easily now. If this is the case then an ankle support or brace would be advisable kit to add to the PE Bag.
–If the shoe fits – Buy it! There is a reason David Beckam doesn’t play football in skateboard trainers. Make sure your child has the right football boots or hockey boots for the game.
–Get new shoes! Football Boots and basketball shoes wear out just like the tyres on your car do.  They play a similar part in keeping your child upright.  Make sure they are the best you can afford and in tip top condition ready for a season of abuse!
– Most ankle sprains that are sports related happen as a result of leaping about and running over uneven ground. If your child is playing for a local team on public ground there can be hidden bumps and dips all over the place.  Try to walk the pitch before the match and alert the coach or match officials of any major irregularities on the field.
–Most importantly of all, make sure they stretch and warm up properly.  Jogging and stretching calves will warm up ligaments and get blood flowing through muscles and can radically reduce the risk of ankle injuries.
So I’m off to make sure the deep heat is in good supply and that I’m all stocked up with washing powder for the mud and sweat and tears that will have stained the brand new PE kit I splashed out on last week.  I’m also stocking up on tea and sympathy, just in case Witchling 10 doesn’t make the netball team this year!

Useful and Interesting Items:
Footstools at great prices.