Protecting Young Athletes: Understanding 9 Common Youth Sports Injuries

Are sports a part of your child’s life? Millions of youth athletes actively participate in various sports, reaping the benefits of physical activity, teamwork, and discipline. However, along with the excitement of competition comes the risk of injury. 

How prevalent are sports injuries among young athletes? There are more than 3.5 million sports injuries in children annually. This statistic underscores the importance of injury prevention and education. So, how can parents and coaches ensure the safety of their young athletes while fostering their love for sports?

At Orlando Orthopaedic Center, we strongly believe that every athlete, regardless of age or skill level, is entitled to exceptional sports medicine care, just like professional athletes. We are here to assist you in comprehending the nine most prevalent sports injuries common in young athletes.

Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are among the most common sports injuries in children. They often occur during activities that require sudden changes in direction or awkward landings. Sports such as basketball, soccer, and football, which require cutting or twisting actions, pose a higher risk for ankle sprains. 

When the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, it can result in pain, swelling, bruising, and instability. Although many sprains can heal with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), some cases may require intervention from an orthopedic specialist.

ACL Tears

The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is a vital stabilizing component of the knee joint and is prone to injury during sports requiring rapid direction or jumping changes. Basketball, volleyball, tennis, and soccer are some activities that pose a higher risk of ACL tears. A torn ACL can cause pain, swelling, and limited knee movement. 

Treatment options include conservative measures like rehabilitation or surgical intervention for more severe tears.

Osgood-Schlatter

Inflammation of the growth plate at the top of the shin bone is a common symptom of Osgood-Schlatter, which causes knee pain in active adolescents. Due to tight muscles and high activity levels, this condition frequently develops due to repetitive stress on the knee joint. Symptoms may include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Visible bump below the knee. 

Effective management typically involves a combination of rest, activity modification, and orthopaedic evaluation.

Little League Elbow

Little League elbow is a common injury among young baseball and softball players caused by repetitive stress on the growth plate inside the elbow. Pitchers, catchers, and infielders are at high risk because of the repetitive throwing motions involved in their positions. 

Early recognition, rest, and proper pitching techniques can help prevent long-term complications and preserve elbow health.

Little League Shoulder

Compared to Little League elbow, this condition impacts the shoulder instead. It involves repetitive stress or micro-trauma to the growth plate of the shoulder, typically afflicting children aged 11 to 14. Aptly named, this ailment is prevalent among softball and baseball pitchers, although it can also manifest in swimmers and tennis players.

Shin Splints

Shin splints are a condition characterized by pain and discomfort in the front of the lower legs that commonly affects children who engage in high-impact activities such as running or jumping. Factors such as overtraining, inadequate conditioning, or wearing improper footwear can contribute to the development of shin splints. 

To prevent and manage shin splints, it is important to follow a gradual progression of activity, perform proper warm-up routines, and use supportive footwear.

Spondylolysis

Spondylolysis is a stress fracture that usually occurs in the lumbar spine and commonly affects young athletes who engage in sports that require repetitive hyperextensions of the spine, such as weightlifting or gymnastics.

Lower back pain is a symptom of this condition, which results from repeated stress on the vertebrae that causes tiny fractures. The treatment for this condition usually involves taking rest, modifying activities to avoid further injury, and performing targeted exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles and support spinal health.

Turf Toe

Turf toe is a condition commonly seen in athletes in sports like football or soccer. It requires them to forcefully push off the ground. The condition is characterized by the hyperextension of the big toe joint, which causes pain and swelling. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment to avoid long-term complications and ensure a quick recovery.

Conclusion

Concussions are a major cause of concern in youth sports, primarily resulting from direct blows to the head during athletic activities.

If a young athlete experiences headaches, dizziness, confusion, or visual disturbances following a head injury, it is important to seek prompt medical attention. Proper evaluation and management by a healthcare professional are important for ensuring the safety and well-being of young athletes and preventing potential long-term consequences.

Youth Athlete Injury Prevention 

As parents and coaches, we are responsible for prioritizing the safety and well-being of young athletes. By familiarizing ourselves with the common injuries associated with youth sports and taking preventive measures, we can help reduce the risk of injury and ensure that our children continue to enjoy and benefit from their participation in sports.

If your child experiences sports-related injuries or concerns, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Orlando Orthopaedic Center for expert evaluation and personalized care. Let’s work together to keep our young athletes safe and thriving on the field, court, or track.