Sprains and strains are common acute injuries in children caused by sudden movements and twisting. Small falls and accidents can cause trauma to the joint moving it slightly out of its normal range of motion. This type of injury is known to affect knees, wrists, ankles, and other vulnerable joints. There are a few preventative measures that can be taken to lessen the chance of your child tearing a ligament or joint: • Warm up before sports events • Train properly • Take 1 to 2 days of rest from competitive sports • Wear the correct equipment • Avoid exercise when injured • Avoid exercise when fatigued • Eat well to keep your child’s muscles strong • Wear proper shoes • Encourage stretching