To play or not to play - that is the question

DD has been complaining on and off for 2 weeks about her knee bothering her. Wrote off first 10 days to growing pains as it was intermittent and annoying more than painful. Last night during conference tourn. game, DD made a jump to try to knock down a fly ball (hello, 3 feet over your head squirt) and when she came down, that was that. Played out the game and I knew there was a problem when a ball hit to the fence had her stopping at 2b. Told me after the game that when she came down from the jump, it felt like someone tried to rip her knee right off her leg.

Took her to ER. Three hours and xrays later, ER Doc says he believes she has a meniscal tear - after ruling out an osteo cyst - whether partial or incomplete he does not know. Puts her in a soft cast, discusses her activities with us. Forbids lower body strength conditioning (she is in weight lifting), long runs (runs the mile at least once weekly) and stairs, but does NOT forbid her playing in the state playoffs, as long as she wears a knee stabilizer. Gives us a referral to orthopaedist and recommends an MRI when he sees her.

So my question...If this team wild cards into play offs, let the dd play as she wants, or tell her no way?

 

Absolutely no way, unless there is NO chance of further injury which with knees pretty much means no way. Different injuries mean different reactions to this (such as tendonitis in pitchers-just pitch through it), but IMHO her future would not be worth the couple of possible games that she would play in the playoffs. If they go on a "miracle" run then there is always a chance in a couple of weeks to be better prepared to help. Don't endanger they're future for a couple of games. She'll be mad to begin with but if she's looking to the future she may thank you later.

 

Hard to say...

Seems like the Dr. at the ER was guessing (said he believes) so would make her sit out until she sees the ortho and he/she tells her what is really going on. The ortho will certainly tell you/her if there is any chance of hurting if further and if she has to sit out.

Until then, it is not worth risking further injury, like a complete tear, that will keep her out much longer. This goes double if she is playing TB this summer.

 

Agree

Why would anyone risk a kids future for a HS or travel game? Ten years from now no one will ever remember. As parents, we are not our kids friends but their guidance to help make the right decision. At least see Ortho before any decision is made! Knees are essential to your ability to ambulate, don't risk them!

 

Don't Play......

......period. I know it sucks but injuries are part of the game and dealing with them as parents of growing kids, its our responsibilty to be the voice of reason. Tony Williford, Cape Fear Storm Coach, told me yrs ago, when my DD got hurt, and had to sit out for a month, this "get that kid well! and in doing so, strive to get the most out of physical therapy so that she comes back stronger than before". All I can say is he was right, and gave me very good advice.

 

See a Sports Med Doc

As someone who is constantly dealing with knee issues due to an athletic injury, I would trust the professionals.
Make sure the Ortho you see is a sports medicine doctor. They will be able to take the best course of action for an athlete to get back in the game. It may be weeks or months down the road, but they will give the best advise.

 

Thanks all....

Had my dd read these responses and now she gets it. She hates it but she gets it.

Going to try to get her in to our orthopaedist first thing Monday!

 

Out of shear luck....

....LW's Ortho group was connected with a PT program that specializes in athletes. This group does all of the Carolina Hurricanes stuff. As crappy as the entire situation was, the shock to me and mom, the pain for LW, and the $ from me and mom, lol, it was really cool to see my kid side by side with professional athletes working their ass off to get better and earn their pay check! I'm still awed by how inspirational it was to my DD to have such positive role models basically showing her how hard work will pay off. IMO, have your DD set a goal to learn whats going on all around the Drs office and the PT gym. Then she can use what she learns for a big project in HS. Senior projects require unwielding time and patience. This might help. Fishman

 

100%

I had a kid in 98 playing in the state AAU Basketball tournament in KY after finishing 5th the previous year. She was a big part of our starting five but after chasing a loose ball collided knees with another and I heard it pop from the sideline.

I knew exactly what that was and rushed the court to keep her from moving. At that time there were no AT's assigned so it was up to the Coach to decide what to do. I didn't want to move her at all but her dad took control after I carried her to the bench to "walk it off".

That walk it off strategy ended up tearing her MCL, LCL, PCL and the Miniscus Discs after already tearing her ACL. I personally took care of her after surgery through rehab and making sure she didn't come back to early. She moved to GA 1 year later but it took 3 years before she could play ball again. She played and started her Senior year but never the same and she had college talent before the injury.

Never mess with any knee injury, especially a girl as their knees are much weaker than a guy.

In my 16 year coaching career I have had 3 girls go down with ACL injuries and all 3 were different situations than the other.

Take care of that girl, the long term affects are much worse if it's not taken care of than playing one game.

I pray for a speedy recovery!

 

Just my 2 cents

General observation is that she not play. I totally concur. As tough as it will be mentally on her she will come out stronger with more appreciation for the game she missed. Knowing she is a freshman should be a little consoling in that she has 3 more big years of HS left. It may be a rallying point for her team mates. I feel she'll come back out once she is cleared by Doc and come back stronger with a vengence. God Bless and good luck!