Slippery grounds and sudden falls: preventing sports injuries in children during monsoon

Monsoon brings much-needed relief from the scorching summer heat—but it also brings wet playgrounds, muddy fields, and slippery surfaces that can turn playtime into a risk zone for children.

Sports injuries during the monsoon season are more common than parents realise, as children continue to enjoy outdoor games -football, cricket, or just running around the park – often unaware of the risks posed by wet conditions.

Health risks

During the rainy season, children are likely to report injuries such as sprains, muscle strains, twisted ankles, bruises and even fractures due to sudden falls or slips. Wet surfaces reduce traction, thus making it easy to lose balance and fall. Waterlogged playing fields can be a little more dangerous as they conceal uneven ground or debris, increasing the chances of serious injury.

Moreover, the damp weather can lead to stiff muscles which cause cramps and pulls in larger muscles in legs, back, shoulder and chest, if children do not warm up properly before heading out to play. It is very important to make children aware of the need for proper warm up exercises to minimise the incidence of injury.

Emotional toll

Beyond the physical discomfort, injuries can take an emotional toll on kids and their parents. For children who love to be outdoors and active, being forced to rest due to an injury can lead to frustration, irritability, or even a drop in confidence.

Parents might see mood swings or signs of withdrawal. Acknowledging their emotions and supporting them with reassurance and positive reinforcement is recommended.

Preventing injuries

Kids will be kids, as we often say. But parents must ensure a few basic protocols for children who love the outdoors. A basic rule should be to encourage proper warm-up before play and stretching exercises after play. This is non-negotiable, more so in damp and cold weather.

Good footwear corresponding to the sporting activity is a must. So choose the right fit and type according to the activity and your budget. Look for anti-skid shoes that provide better grip on wet surfaces too. Similarly, invest in protective gear like helmets, knee guards, elbow pads, where applicable.

Even if your children are out playing in the neighbourhood play area or cycling in your street/ apartment complex, these safety gears are a must as they help prevent serious injury. Discourage kids from playing in waterlogged fields, tiled compounds, or muddy patches that pose higher slip risks. Encourage them to switch to indoor sports or dry play areas like community halls or gyms during the rains.

After play, ensure kids wash off mud and dirt from the outdoors and dry themselves thoroughly to prevent fungal infections. If possible, encourage a warm bath after sports. Despite your best efforts, there will be instances where injury is unavoidable. In such a situation, as a parent, stay calm.

Apply the R.I.C.E. method—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation—for most minor strains and sprains. If there’s swelling, difficulty in movement, or persistent pain, consult a paediatrician or orthopaedic specialist. Avoid self-medication or ignoring symptoms assuming they’ll go away on their own. Monsoon doesn’t have to mean an end to all sports and play.

With a little caution, supervision, and the right preparation, children can enjoy the magic of the rains without falling victim to preventable injuries. Let the laughter continue—with safety as the umbrella under which your child plays freely.

(Dr. Amin Kaba, consultant paediatric medicine, Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai, Info.Srcc@narayanahealth.org)