When young athletes injure themselves, it could harm their growth and possibly lead to long-term health problems.
“Children are at greater risk for injury than adults due to the considerable differences in coordination, strength and stamina,” explains Orthopedic Surgeon Barbaro J. Perez, M.D., with Riverside Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists Gloucester. “Plus, their bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments are still growing, making them more likely to sustain an injury.”
Drs. Perez and Orthopedic Surgeon Steven J. Hospodar, M.D., also with Riverside Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists Gloucester, describe the dangers of injuries in young athletes, the most common injuries and how they can be prevented.
Injuries can damage a young athlete’s growth
The biggest concern when a young athlete gets injured is possible damage to their growth plates.
“Children’s bones are not fully formed,” explains Dr. Perez. “The growth plates at the end of their bones are made of cartilage, which is weaker than bone, ligament or tendon. Injuries at these growth plates could change how the bone grows.”
Common injuries in young athletes
Most injuries that young athletes have are either acute or due to overuse. Acute injuries happen when you twist, fall or collide with another person, and they can cause broken bones, sprains, muscle or tendon strains, cuts or bruises. Overuse injuries can be harder to spot in children because they often ignore the subtle, yet consistent pain.
“Overuse injuries occur when an athlete continues to play without allowing enough time to heal,” says Dr. Hospodar. “Parents should be on the lookout for the common signs, such as any pain that increases with activity, swelling, a change in form or technique, or decreased interest in practicing their sport.”
If the injury isn’t treated, it will get worse in the following stages:
- Pain after physical activity
- Pain during physical activity that doesn’t restrict your child’s performance
- Pain during physical activity that restricts their performance
- Constant pain, even at rest
Preventing injuries in young athletes
“There are certain guidelines children and parents should follow to help prevent sports injuries,” says Dr. Perez. “It begins with the child receiving a pre-participation sports physical at least six weeks before the season begins.”
Other guidelines include:
- Wear appropriate and proper-fitting protective gear and footwear
- Use athletic equipment correctly
- Warm up, cool down and stretch
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid playing when very tired or in pain
- Have at least one recovery day per week
- Don’t play the same sport all year
- Stay active during the off-season
- Avoid steroids and supplements, unless prescribed or recommended by a doctor
“We always recommend seeing a doctor for any injury, unless it’s very mild,” says Dr. Hospodar.
If your child has suffered a sports-related injury, schedule an appointment with their doctor.
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