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Sports Injuries Among Young Athletes

Answers To Your Health Questions By David B. Gealt, D.O.

Q: What are the most common types of childhood sports injuries?

A: Two types of sports injuries include: acute and overuse. Both include injuries to the soft tissues (muscles and ligaments) and bones. Acute injuries are caused by a sudden trauma, such as a twist, fall, or collision. Common acute injuries among young athletes include contusions (bruises), sprains (a partial or complete tear of a ligament), strains (a partial or complete tear of a muscle or tendon), and fractures. These injuries are most likely to occur in contact sports such as football.

A series of small injuries to a young athlete can result in minor fractures, minimal muscle tears, or progressive bone deformities,known as overuse injuries. High-stress repetitive motions, such as pitching in baseball, can cause overuse injuries. Examples of overuse injuries are stress fractures, shin splints, and tendonitis.

Q: Which is better for an acute sports injury: heat or ice?

A: For an acute (recent) injury, always use cold therapy—ice bags, Styrofoam ice cups, or even frozen peas. Keep the ice on the injury for 20 to 30 minutes and then remove it for 30 to 60 minutes; repeat this throughout the day, especially for the first two or three days. Ice helps constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. It also helps reduce pain. Unlike ice, heat causes more blood to flow to the injured area and can increase swelling. Ice is part of immediate treatment for sports injuries known as PRICES: Protection to prevent further injury, Rest, Ice, Compression (e.g., an ace bandage), Elevation, and Support (e.g., a splint, brace, or crutches, if needed).

Q: When does an injured child need to see a doctor?

A: If the injury is severe or potentially severe, the child needs to see a doctor. Severe injuries include an obvious fracture or dislocation of a joint, prolonged swelling (especially within a joint), or prolonged or severe pain.If the injury alters the athlete’s performance or function, it should be evaluated. Recurrent pain or constant soreness to a body area may indicate an overuse injury that may need to be checked out. Often, the child or teen will not tell the coanch or family about the injury, so it is important to be observant.

Q: Is it safe for children to play sports?

A: Children are more likely to be injured while playing, riding a bike or skateboarding than they are while doing sports. Make sure children follow the rules of the game and use the right equipment.