Medical Library
Sports Injuries In Children
Sports injuries fall into two categories: acute injuries that result from
sudden trauma and overuse injuries that result from repetitive motions. Although
children seem resilient, it is important to remember that their bones are actually
more susceptible to injury than those of an adult, due to the vulnerability
of the skeletal growth plates (the soft cartilage deposits from which new bone
is formed). South Florida is a four-season sports community. We see football
players, baseball players, soccer players, gymnasts, cheerleaders, basketball
players, volleyball players, equestrians, dancers, lacrosse players, tennis
players, track and field athletes, cyclists, swimmers, motocross participants,
bull riders, barrel racers, ice skaters, and athletes who play a variety of
other sports.
Treatment
Many sports injuries of an orthopaedic nature can be treated with RICE (rest,
ice, compression, elevation). Over-the-counter pain relievers can also be
used. However, when a child has persistent pain, swelling or loss of performance
a visit to the emergency room or doctor's office is merited.
How Can a Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon Help?
Often, activity modification, physical therapy or performance enhancement training
can relieve symptoms. In the event that a child needs surgery to repair an
injured joint or bone, a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon may be called upon
to perform an operation. The nature of the operation will depend on the type
of injury. Fortunately, for young athletes there has been a growing trend
toward minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures to take the place of open
surgery.
Prevention
Most sports injuries can be prevented. To protect children, parents should:
- Encourage the use of safety equipment
- Group children for play according to their age and size
- Find out what training and conditioning programs can help improve performance
and minimize the risk of injury
- Select athletic programs that are overseen by coaches knowledgeable in first
aid procedures and safety training
- Take their children to a physician for a physical examination prior to their
participation in an organized sport
- Report diabetes, asthma or other pre-existing conditions to the child's coach
and school nurse
Learn More About Sports Injuries In Children
To learn more about pediatric orthopaedic conditions, please refer to the following organizations: