Raising Children

OVER-USE INJURIES AND HOW THEY HAPPEN

Research published in the journal Orthopedic Clinics of North America estimates that 30 million to 45 million children participate in organized sports each year. Along with the increase in the number of children participating in sports, there is an increase in the number of injuries that take place.

Over-use injuries are more likely to happen when a youth specializes in one sport.

“An excessive focus on intense training and competition at a young age, rather than skill development, can lead to overuse injury and burnout,” Coenen said.

“The most common over-use injuries in young athletes involve the growth plates,” Nelson said. “The growth plates are the weakest part of the pediatric skeleton and are susceptible to repetitive stress injuries. These can occur at any growth plate but are common in the heel and knee in running and jumping sports and in the shoulder and elbow in overhead or throwing athletes.”

What You Can Do To Help

As a parent or guardian of a young athlete, there is much you can do to help the child avoid injury and burnout and, in turn, to encourage the young person to continue playing and enjoying the sport.

“In general, sport diversification should be encouraged for youth athletes,” Coenen said. “Limiting weekly and yearly participation time, with scheduled rest periods, can help prevent burnout. Maintaining fun in training should be a goal for athletes of all ages.”

And athletes aren’t the only ones that benefit from such advice.

“It’s important that families find balance with sports and scheduling,” Nelson said. “Remember that sports are recreational and should be fun. If sports feel like an obligation, consider taking a break. Playing a variety sports and activities will also change the way the athlete’s body is stressed can off-load tissues that may be injured. Most minor injuries will subside with a couple weeks of rest and protection. If pain lasts longer than that, it might be worth seeing a physician.”

— MDT