Sports help kids stay active and have fun, but injuries can happen. Some happen suddenly during practice or a game, while others develop over time from repeated use.

Common pediatric sports injuries include:

• Bruises
• Sprains and strains
• Fractures
• Dislocations
• Ligament tears
• Concussions
• Rotator cuff injuries

One thing that makes sports injuries different in children is the risk of growth plate injuries. Growth plates are areas of cartilage near the ends of long bones that help bones grow. An injury that might cause a sprain in an adult could cause a growth plate fracture in a child.

About half of pediatric sports injuries are caused by overuse.

How can sports injuries be prevented?

Many pediatric sports injuries can be prevented. Parents, kids and coaches can help lower the risk by:

• Scheduling a sports physical before each sports season
• Warming up before practices and games
• Drinking water before, during and after activity
• Wearing the right safety gear
• Learning and using proper technique
• Following the rules of the sport
• Not playing through pain

Trying different sports and activities can also help reduce overuse by giving different muscles and joints time to recover.

When should you seek medical care?

Minor bruises and sprains may improve with the RICE method:

• Rest
• Ice
• Compress
• Elevate

Seek medical care if an injury is severe, gets worse or does not improve.

Go to the pediatric emergency room if:

• Bleeding will not stop
• Your child cannot put weight on the injured area
• You can see a broken bone through the skin
• Your child has a head injury

Why can returning to sports too soon be risky?

Kids may want to return to sports as soon as the pain improves, but doing so before the body has fully healed can increase the risk of another injury.

Follow your child’s doctor’s guidance and return to activity slowly and safely. Some children may also need physical therapy or other care before returning to sports.

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Educational information for this post was adapted from University Health content about pediatric sports injuries and injury prevention.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a qualified healthcare professional about your child’s injury, recovery and return to sports.