Did you know that 3.5 million youth under the age of 14 are treated for sports injuries every year? High school athletes make up an estimated 2 million injuries, 500,000 doctor appointments, and 30,000 hospitalizations a year. These are just a few statistics that speak to the regular injuries in youth sports.1
STOP (Sports Trauma and Overuse Prevention) Sports Injuries, an organization started by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, lists these injuries as the most common among the young athletes who make up these statistics:2
Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain is when the ligaments that support the ankle are strained as the ankle twists or turns unnaturally. Possibly the most common injury in youth sports, an ankle sprain can often be treated with rest, focused exercise, and a break from regular athletic activities.
ACL Tear
Like the Ankle sprain, this injury often occurs during an unnatural twisting motion. This causes the ligament that stabilizes the knee (the anterior cruciate ligament) to tear and can damage other parts of the knee as a result. Unfortunately, this injury almost always requires surgery. However, with physical therapy and rest, young athletes usually make a full recovery and can return to their sport in seven to nine months.
Knee Pain (Patellofemoral Syndrome)
Nothing is torn. The knee just hurts. Pain in the front of the knee is common in young athletes. This pain is usually due to muscle imbalance and overuse during high-impact sports. Physical therapy not only treats knee pain, but it can also help to strengthen the muscles that surround and support the knee.
Osgood-Schlatter
This is inflammation in the growth plate just below the knee where the tendon from the kneecap attaches to the shinbone. This condition often surfaces during growth spurts, when young muscles and bones are changing quickly. It is especially common in sports that require lots of running and jumping. Osgood Schlatter disease can often be treated with the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation).
Little Leaguer’s Elbow
This injury shows up in a lot of young pitchers. Another overuse injury, this condition is often the result of repetitive throwing. This repetition can cause inflammation in the growth plate on the inside of the elbow, resulting in apophysitis (little leaguer’s elbow). Usually, this condition can also be treated with the RICE method. In more serious cases, surgery may be required.
Dr. DiPaolo specializes in treating these and other common injuries among adolescent athletes. Whether surgical aid is needed or not, she is equipped to develop personalized treatment plans and help her young patients return to their regular active lifestyles.
Dr. Daneca DiPaolo is an experienced board-certified orthopedic surgeon and hand specialist located in Grenada, Mississippi. She offers the newest orthopedic techniques, and provides quality, compassionate, state of the art orthopedic care.
2.www.stopsportsinjuries.org/STOP/Blog/Posts/Common-Youth-Sports-Injuries.aspx
