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www.FredParent.NET • • • 17 Ask the Expert Join us November 20 for the live conversation on Q: When is weight training OK for growing teens? How about for tweens? This is very controversial. I normally allow weightlifting after 12 years old. I would recom- mend a trainer or someone experienced to teach the safe use of the weights and correct technique. At 14, I would allow as tolerated. For children under 12, I recommend normal activities or supervised sports only. Q: How much weight training do you suggest? How many times a week? None for under 12 One to two times per week between 12 and 14, then up to three times a week in high school. Q: What are the most common injuries you treat from contact sports players? Wrist and finger fractures as well as some liga- ment tears. We frequently see ankle and knee injuries, of which female ACL knee ligament tears have become much more common as noted in your question below. Q: What are some good ways to reduce sports- related injuries in children? I believe making sure the children know good techniques in their sports, stretch well, and are well conditioned for the sport they are playing is very helpful to reduce sports injuries. Also wearing the correct and well-fitted protective gear for the respective sport is essential. Q: So many times you hear a coach tell an ath- lete to "Walk it off. It's just a stinger." When is it not a stinger? What are the warning signs? Stingers are temporary pinching of the nerves from the neck to the affected arm, usually lasting from less than a few minutes up to two weeks. Usually ice, stretches and anti- inflammatories help the symptoms resolve. If the pain or weakness is worsening, then I would seek orthopedic advice, especially if it lasts more than two weeks. Similarly with any limb that has persistent pain, swelling, bruising or any deformity, I would strongly recommend an orthopedic consult and X-rays within 24 hours of a game. Normally a responsible ath- letic trainer can tell on the field the severity of the injury, but if [you have] any questions, obtain orthopedic advice. …… I'm constantly bending over and picking up my kids. Are there ways to help relieve shoulder and back pain after a full day of kid lifting? Yes. Try to bend at the knees instead of the waist. Doing back strengthening exercises and stretches also important to protect the back. How can I help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome? I'm on my computer all day for work; will this aggravate the problem? Carpal tunnel is a pinched nerve in your wrist due to a thickened ligament. Avoiding bent positions of your wrist can be helpful. An ergonomic keyboard and taking vitamin B6 (100mg daily) is protective. If it is waking you up at night, a night splint is also helpful. However, it is the number one hand problem we treat and it tends to progress with time. Although cortisone injections can give temporary relief, the most effective treatment when the symptoms are bad enough is sur- gical release. I play a lot of tennis, and have a pain that I'm assuming is tennis elbow — it's a dull achy pain on the outside of my forearm, just below the elbow. If that what this is, what do you suggest for treatment? Tennis Elbow or lateral epicondylitis is the most com- mon injury affecting the elbow. It is a partial tear of the insertion of one of the muscles that extends the wrist at the outside of the elbow. Anti-inflammatories, stretches, therapy, elbow straps and injections help it heal, but it can take up to one year. The key is to lift palm up when using the arm. For the 10 percent who do not improve with conservative measures, surgery may be appropriate. For more information about FOA, or to schedule an appointment, call 540-373-4602, or visit www.fredortho.com. Fredericksburg Orthopaedic Associates, P.C. (FOA) has locations in Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Woodbridge. For Moms & Dads Have a question you'd like to ask Dr. Constantine? He will be hosting our Ask The Expert session on November 20! Ask The Expert is a live discussion on our Facebook page between you and a local expert. Join us every Thursday at 8 p.m. a sk t h e e x p e rt facebook.com/FredericksburgParent