Overview of Sports-Related Injuries in Children

Each year approximately 30 million children and teenagers participate in organized sports, as well as unorganized activities and play.

When children experience sports-related injuries, the musculoskeletal and dermatologic systems are the two bodily systems most commonly affected.

The increasing emphasis placed on sports participation and longer competitive seasons has resulted in an increase in overuse injuries among children and adolescents.

Common overuse injuries include:

• Osgood-Schlatter disease (tibia)
• Sever’s disease (heel)
• Little leaguer’s elbow
• Sinding-Larsen-Johansson disease (knee)
• Periostitis ("shin splints")
• Stress fracture
• Muscle strain

Initial treatment for many of these syndromes will employ the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) as well as medication to reduce pain and inflammation.

Areas prone to injury by sports activities:

• Shoulder: Baseball, tennis, volleyball
• Elbow: Baseball.
• Knee: Soccer, basketball, gymnastics

Custom orthotics can help treat and prevent sports-related injuries in children.