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Dealing With Muscle Soreness in Youth Athletes

By Vanessa Mejia, USA Football, 05/17/19, 12:00PM PDT

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They say time heals all wounds, don't they? Well, that means muscles too! Taking it easy for a couple of days works wonders.

Let me first start off by saying that I am in no way, shape or form a medical doctor. However, having three boys involved in organized sports, I’ve nursed my fair share of aches and pains. From practice and weightlifting to the occasional injury sustained during a game, muscle soreness in youth athletes is bound to happen.

Here are eight ways that I help my boys ease their pain:

  1. Warm up. One of the easiest ways to prevent muscle soreness is by warming them up beforehand. It doesn't matter what sport they're playing, warming up loosens their joints and tendons and increases their muscle temperature and flexibility, getting them ready for work.
  2. Stay hydrated. Proper hydration is crucial for athletes, as dehydration is a leading cause of cramps!