Olympic enthusiasm can produce injuries - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Doctors say every Olympics Games they see an increased number of patients, injured while performing some of the sports they see at the Games.

Or maybe we should say trying to do some of the sports they see the world's best athletes performing.

Jocelynn Spence is your typical nine year old, who is really enjoying watching the Olympic Games. Her favorites are, "The gymnastics and the swimming."

But it's what she is doing while watching the Olympics that worries her parents.

 "I'm constantly fussing at them to stop doing flips. Cart wheels from the couch. Handstands in the house. They go in the pool and want to race. So they are interested in it," said her mom, Heather Spence.

Doctor Paul Michas says every Olympic Games, he gets busy with new patients. "We're going to see a bunch of wrists. Some ankles, and the occasional knee injury."

Because those great Olympic athletes inspire kids to action, and that sometimes leads to more than just bumps and bruises.

"They're curious," Dr. Michas said. "They see something they like. You see it on television. People are getting all this attention and you kind of want that. And it's kind of fun."

Doctors say the Olympics bring out lots of kids' injuries but it's not just kids. They see plenty of adults who get a little too inspired as well.

 "They overload that Achilles and they rupture it. A lot of ankle injuries, and some wrist sprains and some fractures," Dr. Michas said.

Jocelynn says the Olympics have her really wanting to become a gymnast and a swimmer. Her parents are worried.

"We've already had numerous casts previously to the Olympics. So hopefully we won't have anymore," Heather said.

Dr. Michas said the main thing parents can do to protect their kids, watch out for the heat and those sudden stops.

"The ground here in the south and in the dead summer is just hard clay. And it doesn't give," Michas said.

The Olympic Games guarantee thrilling sports performances. And Doctors guarantee it will bring them patients with broken wrists and ankle sprains.

Has he seen any yet? "Not yet, but I'm sure they're coming," Dr. Michas said  with a laugh.

So Jocelynn's parents, like most South Georgia parents will keep telling their kids to be careful.

 "She's a 9-year-old. She's not going to listen," Heather said.

Doctors say it's a sure thing every four years.  Dr. Michas said the good news, kids heal quickly and are usually back on their feet in four weeks.

But for the adults, a sports injury can take 8 to 10 weeks to heal. He suggests going slow as you start your Olympic quest.

Copyright 2012 WALB.  All rights reserved.