15 Common Sports Injuries in Children

What are sports injuries in children?

Sports injuries in children are any injuries received while the kid is playing or engages in any physical activities. This injury happens because children are naturally more energetic but often unaware of their surroundings and physical limitations.

As a result, they often develop overuse or fatigue-related injuries, which might increase their risk of accidental injury. Additionally, because their bodies are still developing, excessive strain from physical activities can increase their risk of injuries.

Causes of sports injuries in children

The causes of sports injuries in children come from a combination of factors, especially when they are participating in physical activity. Here are some common causes of sports injuries, such as:

• Physical development

  • Children's muscle groups, ligaments, and tendons are still developing, which means these muscles are less flexible and robust when put under stress.

  • Other than that, because their bones are still growing, their growth plates (cartilage at the ends of bones) are weaker and easier to get injured.

• Growth spurts

  • Rapid growth during puberty can make children more prone to injuries because their muscles and tendons may not grow as quickly as their bones.

  • This condition leads to an imbalance in muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination that can lead to injuries.

• Improper technique

  • Because of their young age, children often lack the proper techniques for their respective sports, which can cause sports-related injury.

• Overuse

  • Many young athletes specialise in a single sport, which can cause injuries from doing the same movements over and over again. 

Common sports injuries risk factors

In addition to the direct causes of injuries mentioned above, there are several risk factors that can increase the chances of children getting injured when exercising:

• Forcing themselves to play

  • Children may continue to play even when tired or in pain, particularly if they do not want to disappoint their teammates, increasing the risk of injury.

• Improper equipment

  • Because of their smaller stature, protective equipment designed for young athletes may not fit correctly during physical activity. This improper fit can result in inadequate protection against significant external impacts.

• Inadequate warm-up or cool-down

  • Due to their enthusiasm, kids often forget to warm up and jump directly into exercises. This can lead to muscle stiffness during activities, increasing the risk of strains and sprains.

  • Additionally, they don't consistently cool down after exercising, which might result in overuse injuries or stiff muscles.

• Environmental factors

  • Kids often play on unsafe or poorly maintained surfaces, such as uneven ground or wet grass, that can increase the risk of accidental injury. 

Types of sports injuries

There are several types of injury that can occur during physical activities, including:

• Bone fracture: 

  • A bone fracture happens when the bone cannot withstand an external force exerted on it.

• Concussion: 

  • A concussion is a type of brain injury that results from an impact to the head.

• Dislocation: 

  • Dislocation occurs when the joints are knocked or pushed out of their socket.

• Tendonitis: 

  • Tendonitis is inflammation or irritation of a tendon caused by repetitive movements over time.

• Sprains: 

  • A sprain is an injury to a ligament, which occurs when ligaments are overstretched or torn.

• Strains: 

  • A strain is an injury to muscles or tendons caused by overstretching or tearing.

• Bruises:

  • Bruises are caused by a direct hit or blow to the body, which damages the blood vessels beneath the skin. As a result, the skin becomes discoloured and may seem red, blue, purple, or green.

15 common sports injuries in children

Based on the types of injuries above, these can be categorised by the location of occurrence. Here are 15 of the most common injuries in adolescent athletes, grouped into three categories, including:

Knee injuries

• Osgood-schlatter disease:

  • Osgood-schlatter disease is a condition where the patellar  tendon that links the kneecap to the shin bone is irritated and swollen.

  • This disease frequently occurs during growth spurts in physically active children, particularly those engaged in running or jumping sports.

• Patellar tendonitis (jumper's knee):

  • Patellar tendinitis is characterised by inflammation of the patellar tendon located at the front of the knee. 

  • This condition typically happens in children who frequently overuse the patellar tendon due to repetitive jumping, particularly in sports such as basketball or volleyball.

• Patellofemoral pain (runner’s knee): 

  • This injury is characterised by a sensation of discomfort or tenderness beneath the kneecap (patella) at the front of the knee.

• Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome:

  • Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome is an injury that causes inflammation to the growth plate at the bottom of the knee. 

  • This condition impacts children and teenagers between the ages of 10 and 14, typically resulting from excessive physical activity.

• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries:

  • An ACL injury occurs when the anterior cruciate ligament becomes overstretched or twisted, usually affecting older children or teenagers engaged in high-impact sports. 

  • These injuries are most frequently seen in activities that require sudden stops, rapid direction changes, and powerful jumps.

Leg and foot injuries

• Shin splints:

  • Shin splints are caused by inflammation of the muscle's attachment along the inside length of the shin bone (tibia), which is the big bone in the front of the lower leg.

• Sever's disease

  • Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in physically active children, particularly around puberty. This condition causes pain and swelling on the growth plate at the back of the heel bone, which worsens with sports activities.

• Turf toe

  • This condition occurs when the big toe joint is sprained due to hyperextension, usually when young athletes jump or sprint from surfaces like artificial turf.

  • It is particularly prevalent among football players, especially linemen and those who engage in intense running or rapid changes in direction.

Upper body injuries

• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis):

  • Tennis elbow is a condition that occurs when the muscles and tendons in the elbow are overloaded, strained, or injured due to repetitive movements in sports activities.

• Rotator cuff injury: 

  • Rotator cuff injuries are commonly caused by wear and strain of the shoulder tendon, caused by repetitive overhead motions.

• Shoulder dislocation:

  • A shoulder dislocation happens when the ball-shaped head of the upper arm bone (humerus) in the shoulder pops out from its socket. This condition can limit range of motion and cause severe pain.

• Little League shoulder:

  • Little League shoulder is frequently observed in baseball players aged 11 to 16 and is primarily caused by the repetitive stress of throwing a baseball. 

  • This condition often results in discomfort in the upper arm close to the shoulder and may lead to a limited range of motion.

• Little League elbow:

  • Little league elbow commonly occurs in children aged 8 to 15, which is caused by repetitive pulling motions before throwing an object, such as baseball pitchers.

  • Symptoms of this condition may include aching or sharp pain, along with swelling on the inside of the elbow.

Growth-Related conditions

• Growth plate injuries

  • The growth plates are areas of developing tissue at the ends of long bones. In children, their bone density is lacking and more vulnerable to injury.

  • Growth plate injuries typically occur in sports that involve sudden twisting, heavy lifting, or falls (e.g., gymnastics, basketball).

• Osteochondritis dissecans

  • Osteochondritis dissecans is a joint condition in children that affects the knee, elbows, and ankles. 

  • It occurs when a piece of bone at the end of a joint loses its blood supply after a joint injury or from repeated high-impact activities like running and jumping.

Common symptoms

The symptoms of a sports injury in children may vary depending on the location and severity of the condition. But in general, there are several common symptoms that parents should watch out for, including:

• Severe pain in the injured area.

• Swelling around the injury.

• Bruising on the skin.

• Broken bones, indicated by significant pain and deformity.

• Limited range of motion in the affected limb or joint.

• Joint instability, where the joint feels loose.

• Tenderness when touching the injured area.

• Numbness in the injured area.

• Weakness in the affected body part.

• Visible deformity of bones or joints.

Recognising these symptoms early can help reduce pain and promote proper healing of the injury, allowing children to return to their daily activities as soon as possible.

When should I take my child to the doctor after a sports injury?

Parents should take their children to a doctor if they show any of the following symptoms:

• Severe pain despite home treatment efforts.

• You suspect a fracture or dislocation.

• Your child is unable to move the injured area.

• There are signs of a concussion, such as dizziness, confusion, memory issues, and nausea.

• The injury is swelling considerably and shows no improvement after 24-48 hours of resting and ice pack application.

• The child complains of persistent pain that worsens with activity, which could indicate a stress fracture or overuse injury.

If your child is experiencing any of the listed sports injuries or showing signs of discomfort, pain, or restricted movement that could indicate an injury, you can always book an appointment with our specialised orthopedists. Early intervention can help ensure a safe and speedy recovery.

Diagnosis of sports injury

To diagnose sports injuries in children, the doctor will start by discussing the child's symptoms and gathering information about how the injury occurred. They may then review and conduct a physical examination of the injured body parts to assess their range of motion and stiffness.

In addition to that, to get a better diagnosis, Thomson Medical Centre offers advanced  imaging tests like X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and CT (computed tomography) scans. These services help healthcare professionals deliver accurate diagnoses and personalised care tailored to your child’s specific needs.

Treatment for sports injuries in children

When sports injuries occur, proper treatment is crucial for recovery. The severity of the injury determines the treatment approach, which can range from first aid to surgical intervention.

• RICE methods:

  • This method is used as first aid for injuries, consisting of:

    • Rest: Avoid using the injured body parts to prevent further damage.

    • Ice: Apply ice for 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and pain.

    • Compression: Use an elastic bandage to provide support and limit swelling.

    • Elevation: Keep the injured limb elevated above heart level to minimise swelling.

• Medications:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation but should be used with prescription.

• Physical therapy:

  • Techniques like massage and joint mobilisation can improve mobility and reduce pain. Tailored physical therapy also helps restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion to the injured area.

• Surgical interventions:

  • In cases of severe injuries (e.g., torn ligaments, fractures), surgery may be necessary. Usually, arthroscopic surgeries are performed to treat joint injuries.

However, if your children's pain and discomfort persist after non-surgical treatment, you should consult a doctor. Request for an appointment with our specialists at Thomson Medical.

How to prevent sports injuries in children?

There is no way to completely remove the risk of sports injuries if the child is actively participating in physical activities. However, parents or trainers can help lower the kids risk by taking a few injury prevention measures, such as:

• Warm-up and cool-down: 

  • Encourage children to perform warm-ups before doing any physical activity to prepare their muscles and joints.

  • After the activity, they should do static stretching for cool-down to improve flexibility and prevent stiffness.

• Strength training: 

  • Enhancing muscle strength and increasing flexibility through targeted conditioning programs can significantly reduce the risk of injury.

  • Prioritise exercises that develop core strength, balance, and coordination.

• Proper technique and training: 

  • Kids need to be taught proper form and technique in their respective sports to reduce the risk of injury. Especially when performing high-risk movements such as jumping, landing, and tackling.

• Use proper equipment: 

  • Ensure that children use proper equipment (e.g., helmets, shin guards, knee pads, ankle supports) and wear appropriate footwear for the sport.

• Promoting variety and cross-training: 

  • Encourage children to play different sports to prevent overuse injuries.

• Rest and recovery: 

  • Allow for adequate rest between exercises; their muscles and joints need time to recover and regain strength.

• Monitor growth spurts: 

  • During periods of rapid growth, extra attention should be paid to ensure that children are not pushing themselves too hard. Encourage gradual increases in exercise intensity.

FAQ

What is the most common injury in youth sports?

The most common injuries in youth sports are sprains and strains. Additionally, specific injuries such as "Little League shoulder" and knee injuries like "jumper's knee" (patellar tendinitis) are also prevalent among young athletes.

What are the three most common injury types in children?

The three most common types of injuries in children include:

• Sprains

• Strains

• Bruises

What are sports related overuse injuries in children?

Overuse injuries in children occur when they perform the same movement repeatedly, leading to stress on specific body parts. Common examples include throwing in baseball and jumping in basketball, which causes pain, swelling, and limited range of movement.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.