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Sports Injuries in Young Athletes
If Your Child Gets Hurt
Whether you have an 8-year-old who plays soccer on an organized team or a teenager who likes to go in-line skating with her friends, you know that participation in sports can provide your child with hours of enjoyment. As a concerned parent, you also recognize that with an increase in activity, there comes an increased risk of injury. Common orthopedic injuries in young athletes include: - Broken bones (also known as fractures). These account for 10 to 15 percent of all childhood injuries.
- Heel pain (called Severs disease). Usually occurring in children ages 6 to 12, Severs disease causes pain in the back of the heel, where the Achilles tendon attaches to the bone.
- Knee pain (patellar tendonitis). This condition is caused by irritation of the tendon that holds the kneecap (patella) to the thighbone (tibia). It occurs most often in children who participate in jumping sports, like basketball.
- "Little League" elbow. Pain along the inner portion of the elbow usually occurs in 10- to 14-year-olds who frequently engage in throwing activities.
- Sprains. Among teens, damage to the ligaments is common, especially when the sprains involve the knees and ankles.
What to Do if Your Child Gets Injured
Because a child’s body is still growing and developing, special care is required to promote healing and prevent long-term damage. Minor injuries can be treated with a few simple measures: - Apply ice to and elevate the injured area to reduce swelling.
- Give your child age-appropriate dosages of over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to alleviate pain.
- Encourage your child to rest for a day or two, then gradually resume use of the affected muscle or joint.
When to See the Doctor
Moderate to serious injuries require medical care to promote proper healing and prevent long-term damage to your child’s growing body. You should seek immediate medical attention for your young athlete if: - The injury has caused swelling, instability, deformity or another obvious change in the appearance of a bone or joint. This could signal a fracture or dislocation.
- The pain and swelling do not improve within 24 to 48 hours. An injury that causes prolonged pain, swelling or an inability to use the affected area should always be treated by a physician.
- Your child experiences recurring pain or sustains frequent injuries in the same area. These are symptoms of an injury caused by overuse, such as Little League elbow or patellar tendonitis.
- Your child limps, winces or favors one limb over the other. In their enthusiasm, many young athletes will downplay injuries. By observing your child’s body language, you can often tell if he or she is hurting.
Protecting Your Young Athlete from Injury
As a parent, your concern and common sense are your child’s best protection against a serious or lingering orthopedic injury. Here are some ways to help your young athlete enjoy his or her favorite sport safely: - If your child participates in organized sports, get to know the coach. Make sure he or she shares your belief that a child’s health and well-being are more important than winning.
- Don’t allow a child under age 14 to train with weights. The skeletal structures of children in their pre-teen years are immature and incapable of withstanding the stress of weightlifting.
- Insist that your child wear protective equipment. Knee pads, wrist guards, bicycle helmets and other types of equipment can protect your child from serious injury due to falls, collisions and mishaps.
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