Overuse injuries are caused by repetitive stress on a particular area of the body, and are common among young athletes who are still growing. These injuries can cause deformities and require surgical intervention if not treated properly. This article will cover the most common sports overuse injuries in kids and what parents need to look out for.
Most Common Overuse Injuries in Kids: A Soccer Mom’s Guide
1 – Thrower’s Elbow
Thrower’s elbow is a condition caused by the overuse of the elbow joint. It is common in young athletes who participate in throwing sports such as baseball, softball, and football. Symptoms include pain on the inside or outside of the elbow, stiffness, and weakness in the elbow joint. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and physical therapy. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases.
2 – Jumper’s Knee
Jumper’s knee is a condition caused by the overuse of the kneecap. It is common in young athletes who play jumping sports such as basketball and volleyball. Symptoms include sharp pain around the kneecap, stiffness, and weakness in the knee. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and physical therapy. A specialist may also recommend surgery for severe injuries.
3 – Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a condition caused by the overuse of the knee joint. It is common in young athletes who participate in running and jumping sports. Common symptoms may include pain around the kneecap, swelling, and tenderness. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and physical therapy. Some cases may also require surgical procedures.
4 – Little League Shoulder
Little League shoulder is a condition caused by the overuse of the shoulder joint. It is common in young athletes who play sports such as baseball and softball. Symptoms include pain in the shoulder, stiffness, and weakness in the shoulder joint. Regular treatment such as rest, and icing the painful area may work most of the time, but surgery may be required for really serious cases.
5 – Little League Elbow
Little League elbow is a condition caused by the overuse of the elbow joint. It is common in young athletes who participate in throwing sports such as baseball and softball. Symptoms include pain on the inside or outside of the elbow, stiffness, and weakness in the elbow joint. Specialists will often recommend rest, ice, and physical therapy. However, if muscles are severely torn, surgery may also be required.
6 – Gymnast’s Wrist
Gymnast’s wrist is a condition caused by the overuse of the wrist joint. It is common in young athletes who participate in gymnastics. Symptoms include pain in the wrist, stiffness, and weakness in the wrist joint. The usual treatment will typically require rest, ice, and physical therapy. Like the other conditions above, surgery may also be recommended for severely damaged wrists.
7 – Stress Fractures
A stress fracture is a hairline crack in a bone that occurs from overuse. Stress fractures are common in athletes who participate in running and jumping sports. Symptoms include pain in the affected bone, tenderness, swelling, and bruising. Your child’s doctor may have them rest, ice the area, and do physical therapy to recover. Again, surgery may be necessary in severe cases.
Preventing Sports Injuries in Kids
There are several things you can do to help prevent sports injuries in your child. First, make sure they warm up and stretch before playing. Second, make sure they wear the proper equipment for their sport. Third, make sure they stay hydrated. Finally, make sure they listen to their body and stop playing if they are in pain. It is also worth noting that having the number of an urgent care center is useful in case the need to have your child checked would ever arise.
If you need urgent care for kids in Lakewood Ranch, FL, come to Your Kids Urgent Care. Your Kids Urgent Care serves as the intermediary between a child’s primary care physician and the Emergency Room. When children get sick after hours or on holidays, our medical professionals can help you!
