Would you let your child continue to play football even though he has aches and pains?

Question

My son is 14yrs old. He has been playing football for 4yrs. He is very, very good at it. Well coordinated and a very fast running back. After games and practice, he hurts. It's either the shoulder, knees or something. He says that it is part of the sport. I want him to take next season off so he can heal. Am I being overprotective? I am a single mother and I don't want to make a sissy out of him but I don't want him walking around with arthritis either. He plays other sports but football is his love. Please give me your opinion. Thanks

Answer 1

I know what your going through, all my boy's played one who had the aches and pains the rest were fine, so in your case do as i did, take him to the doctors. My son with the aches and pains ended up seeing a chiropractor for an adjustment. Maybe that's whats wrong with him. Don't think that's what it is, take my advise and take him to the doctors, just in case it's some kind of arthritis. You are being an overprotective mother and you should be. I was, and there is nothing wrong with a mother who cares allot for their children. No he wont be a sissy, your just making him take a break.  

Answer 2

I would take him in for a physical and talk it over with him/her before I would let him play.

Answer 3

Does he have to get the football physical every year? If so and the doctor gave him the okay then don't worry about it. Life is full of aches and pains - he knows his limitations, if he says he's fine - at 14 trust his answer and let it go.

Answer 4

Perhaps he is sore from dehydration?  Take him to the doctor.

Answer 5

You kinda need to be careful, he is only 14, his bones, body etc is still growing, therefore maybe the aching is strain on his body. He needs to rest up for a bit.

Answer 6

maybe the doctor will tell you better or give you ideas to help this  My bf got a knee thingy from the doc and it help when he was in football... dont stop him from playing if he feels he really needs to stop he will probably tell you

Answer 7

Football is a very dangerous sport.   If your son feels pains, it's time to get him evaluated.  My brother damaged his knee in high school football (and no, he wasn't even a star) so badly he needed surgery and it STILL pains him.  The same thing happened to my cousin, only with his back.  

I know your son loves football, but does he love it enough to risk being in pain for the rest of his life?  Does he love it enough to maybe not get to play baseketball or baseball later in the year?  Those are all important things to consider.  

Answer 8

talk to his doctor. he will be able to tell you better and if he needs to take off next season then the doctor can be the bad guy and you don't have to be the over-protective mom ; ) .

Answer 9

Talk to him about his aches and pains...where and how the pain feels and then take him to his pediatrician.  Discuss those aches and pains with the pediatrician, get a physical and getting any testing done if the physician thinks it necessary.  When you are sure that his continuing isn't going to have a negative effect on him then let him continue.  If you take him to the  physician and they find a justified reason for him not to continue then he can be mad at them lol.

Answer 10

First off I am a very over protective mother I am always right there standing over my two boys making sure nothing happens to them but deep down inside i know that they are kids you have to let them have fun and experience all they want to in life....Life is tooooo short to keep them from doing what they always dreamed of doing...I think he will be ok as long as it's no life threatening pains he is having...I hope everything works out for the best.

Answer 11

no not unless they love playing then u shldnt take away from wat they luv :)

Answer 12

There are bound to be muscle aches after hard physical exercise. If your son is good, he will be pushing his body close to it's limit and so there will be minor injuries. If he stops for a season, he will lose the level of fitness that he has built up.

Let him continue to enjoy himself, keep fit and stay out of trouble. There are worse things that a 14 year old boy could be spending his time doing.

Get him to go to his coach or PE teacher for advice. Invest in some neoprene joint supports if necessary (but don't send him out looking like Robocop!). Explain the importance of warming up AND WARMING DOWN.

Arthritis is not going to be a problem due to sports injuries for many years. Don't spoil his fun now because of a problem that may occur in 40 years.

If you are still worried, by all means go to your GP but I don't think you have anything to fear.

Answer 13

My son played until he was a junior in HS then realized he was going to be hurt too bad to be able to go in the Army later. He decided to quit even though he loved it b/c he was sure his knee's weren't going to make it another season.

I think your son will never forgive you if you make him stop. 14 y/o boys have enough attitude without giving up what he loves. For both your sakes I'd talk with his DR, both of you , and let him play. Reevaluate next year. Good luck.

Answer 14

Take him to the pediatrician and have him looked at.  They can determine if it is just using the muscles and that he needs to soak after games and practices to relax or if he is having something else going on that might require him cutting back on things but if he is wanting to play sports I wouldn't take that away from him unless a Dr found it necessary.  He could just be really working himself hard to a point of needing to soak afterwards to losing the muscles.  I know my nephew is a sports person and plays basketball, football and baseball and he is constantly saying he is sore afterwards then he soaks for about 45 minutes in a hot tub or bath tub with hot water and he feels a lot better.  The Dr said he is just working hard and has to relax afterwards.