Knowing When to Quit

Kids, under pressure to do their best for themselves, their families, their coaches and their teammates, sometimes have a hard time knowing if they’re injured seriously enough to sit out a game. But while professional athletes are paid millions to play through their pain--with oversight of doctors and trainers--youngsters may be risking permanent damage by doing the same.

The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation offers the following tips to help young athletes determine if their injury is “playable.”

Seek medical attention for:

* Pain.

* Swelling.

* Loss of range of motion in a joint.

* Dizziness.

* Ringing in the ears.

* Headache.

* Limping.

* Nausea and vomiting.

* Drowsiness, memory loss or altered consciousness.

* Stumbling or lack of coordination.

* Weakness in the arms or legs.

* Persistent back or neck pain.

* Open wound.