Youth sports are a great way for kids and teens to stay active, build confidence and learn teamwork. But with practices, games, tournaments and year-round club schedules, young athletes are also putting a lot of demand on their growing bodies.
According to Dr. Nathan Kiskila, President of Marque Urgent Care, one of the most important things parents can do is pay attention when a young athlete says something hurts.
“Kids are often incredibly motivated to get back out there, especially when they have teammates depending on them or an important game coming up,” says Dr. Kiskila. “But pain is your body’s way of telling you something. Sometimes the best thing you can do for an athlete is give the body time to recover.”
Why Overuse Injuries Are So Common
Not every sports injury happens because of a fall, collision, or awkward landing. Many develop gradually from performing the same movement again and again.
Throwing athletes may experience shoulder or elbow pain. Runners and soccer players may develop knee or lower-leg problems. Other athletes may experience persistent muscle or joint pain simply because their bodies aren’t getting enough recovery time between practices and competitions.
Year-round participation in a single sport can be particularly demanding for growing athletes. Building rest periods into the schedule and incorporating different forms of activity can give frequently used muscles and joints an opportunity to recover.
“Rest shouldn’t be viewed as falling behind,” Dr. Kiskila says. “Recovery is part of training.”
Sprain, Strain or Fracture?
After an injury, it isn’t always easy to tell what happened just by looking at it.
– A sprain involves a ligament, which connects one bone to another. An ankle sprain is one of the most familiar examples. Sprains can range from a mild stretching of the ligament to a complete tear.
– A strain affects a muscle or tendon. Mild strains may improve with rest and a gradual return to activity.
– A fracture is an injury to the bone. In children and teens, growth plates can also be injured, and some fractures may initially look similar to a sprain.
That’s one reason parents shouldn’t feel like they have to diagnose a sports injury themselves.
“If your child is having significant pain, swelling or difficulty using the injured area normally, it’s worth getting it evaluated,” says Dr. Kiskila. “An exam and, when appropriate, an X-ray can help us understand what we’re dealing with.”
When Should a Sports Injury Be Evaluated?
Some soreness after activity can be normal, but certain symptoms deserve more attention.
Parents should consider having an injury evaluated when a child has significant or worsening pain, noticeable swelling, difficulty walking or putting weight on an extremity, decreased range of motion, an obvious deformity, or pain that isn’t improving with rest.
Joint swelling accompanied by pain can be particularly important to evaluate because swelling can occur with several types of injuries.
And when in doubt, sitting out a practice or game is generally safer than continuing to play through an injury.
Ice or Heat?
It’s one of the first questions parents ask after a sports injury: Should we use ice or heat?
For minor muscle soreness, comfort can help guide the decision. Cold therapy may feel better after an acute injury, while heat may help loosen tight or sore muscles. The transcript notes that there is some debate surrounding heat versus ice and emphasizes using what feels best for the individual.
More important than choosing between the two is recognizing when at-home care isn’t enough. Persistent or significant symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Don’t Rush the Return to Sports
Feeling “better” doesn’t necessarily mean an athlete is ready to immediately return to full competition.
A safe return should be gradual. Before getting back into a game, an athlete should be able to comfortably perform the movements required by the sport during practice or controlled activity. Functional testing and physical therapy can also play an important role after more significant injuries.
“The goal isn’t just to get an athlete back on the field as quickly as possible,” Dr. Kiskila says. “We want them to get back safely and confidently, without setting themselves up for another injury.”
Prevention Starts Before Game Day
Preventing every sports injury isn’t possible, but young athletes can reduce their risk by giving their bodies adequate time to recover.
Encourage children and teens to take breaks, cross-train, gradually increase activity levels and speak up when something hurts. The source also recommends allowing young athletes approximately three months away from their primary sport each year, whether consecutively or spread throughout the year.
Most importantly, parents and coaches can help create an environment where kids don’t feel pressured to hide pain or play through an injury.
“Sports should be something kids can enjoy for years,” says Dr. Kiskila. “Taking care of an injury today can help protect their ability to stay active tomorrow.”
Marque Is Here for Sports Injuries
From a rolled ankle at soccer practice to wrist pain after a fall, Marque Urgent Care can evaluate many common sports-related injuries in children and teens. Our medical teams can assess the injury, determine whether imaging such as an X-ray is appropriate, and help families understand the next steps for recovery.
For severe injuries, obvious deformities, significant head or neck injuries, loss of consciousness, or other emergency symptoms, seek emergency medical care.
Favorite Platform
New Content
