Childhood Sports Injuries
Stephen Aoki, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon (specializing in Pediatric and Adult Sports Medicine)
Why are we seeing more pediatric and adolescent sports injuries?
Kids are much more competitive today than 10-20 years ago.
Today's sports culture not only has kids training harder, but also training constantly.
Children are playing organized athletics and doing it year round.
A lot of child athletes end up with overuse injuries as well as more catastrophic injuries.
Common Sports Injuries
Kneecap dislocations
ACL tears
Cartilage injuries
Muscle/Tendon Strains and Ligament Strains
What are the warning signs?
Most injuries in children are strains and sprains; most will get better on their own. The first step is to begin a RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate.
If you continue to have pain, tenderness, loss of motion, and/or instability and symptoms do not improve over a few days, than it is important to see a physician.
Warning signs include:
Inability to bear weight on the injured extremity
A feeling of a 'pop' at time of injury
Significant swelling or bruising
Obvious deformities or open injuries
Preventing Injuries
Be well conditioned prior to competition. A preseason sports specific exercise program can be helpful with improving flexibility, agility, strength, and coordination. (Should continue program through competitive season.)
Use proper technique.
Use proper equipment.
Find a sport that fits your interests and body type.
Treatment Options
Injuries in children are not necessarily treated the same way as an adult. Children have great healing potential and tend to recover faster than adults. If an injury does require surgery, oftentimes surgical technique must be modified to avoid causing a growth disturbance.
The pediatric and adolescent sports medicine specialists at University Health Care's Orthopaedic Center understand the unique issues and challenges involved with caring for children. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the University Orthopaedic Center at 801-587-7109
