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Pediatric sports injuries

Athletes who play sports and do other activities are at risk for a wide range of sports injuries. At Children’s Health℠, our pediatric orthopedic, sports medicine orthopedic and primary care sports medicine specialists diagnose and treat all types of youth sports injuries. We offer the latest treatments and programs to help athletes recover completely and return safely to their activities. We also educate and work with them to reduce the risk of future sports injuries.

Overview

What are sports injuries in children?

A pediatric sports injury can be any injury that happens while a child is engaged in a physical activity such as running, soccer, basketball, dancing or other.

Types

What are the different types of sports injuries in children?

There are several types of sports injuries, including:

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of sports injuries in children?

If your child experiences a sports injury, their symptoms will vary depending on the type and location of the injury.

Symptoms of an injury:

  • Abrasions

  • Bruising

  • Inability to move body part

  • Pain at site of injury

  • Pain that gets worse over time

  • Pain that gets worse with running and jumping

  • Redness at site of injury

  • Swelling

Symptoms of a concussion:

Diagnosis

How are pediatric sports injuries diagnosed?

At the Children’s Health Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, our doctors and providers have years of experience in diagnosing and treating all types of sports injuries in young athletes. We begin our thorough evaluation by asking you and your child details about the injury, how it happened and what symptoms they have. We’ll also do a physical exam, with a focus on the injured area.

We usually recommend diagnostic imaging and other tests to help us confirm a diagnosis of a sports injury. Depending on the type of injury and how severe it is, your child may need one or more of these tests:

  • X-rays: This imaging test uses high-energy radiation beams to produce images of bones, cartilage and other structures. We use X-rays to check for broken bones, growth plate fractures, stress fractures and many other signs of sports injuries.

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This test uses radio waves and a powerful magnetic field to produce images of the inside of the body, particularly soft tissues. We often use MRI to evaluate many types of soft tissue injuries and evaluate stress and growth plate fractures.

  • Computed tomography (CT) scans: This imaging uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional, 3D images of the inside of the body. CT scans can often provide more detailed images of bones and soft tissues.

  • Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the body and is helpful in diagnosing soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains and tendinitis. Our primary care sports medicine doctors are trained in bedside diagnostic ultrasound. For your child, the benefits include no radiation exposure and no need to schedule another appointment.

  • Neurological exam: If your child has had a head injury and may have a concussion, our team will do this painless series of tests to understand how well your child’s brain is working. A neurological exam evaluates your child’s thinking (cognitive) skills such as attention and memory, visual tracking, sensory skills such as hearing, motor (movement) skills, balance, coordination and reflexes. Read more about our specialized testing for concussions.

Causes

What are the causes of sports injuries in children?

A sports injury may be the result of overuse and repetitive motion, or it may be caused by a traumatic event, such as colliding with another player or falling.

Treatment

How are pediatric sports injuries treated?

Treatments for pediatric sports injuries depend on the type of injury and how serious it is. At Children’s Health, our pediatric orthopedic and sports medicine team specializes in advanced treatments for all types of sports injuries. We work closely with your child and you to develop a tailored treatment plan.

  • PEACE protocol for the first 3 days: Protection, elevation, avoidance of anti-inflammatory medications (unless recommended by your doctor), compression and education

  • LOVE protocol after that: Load, optimism, vascularization and exercise

  • Braces and orthotics, including splints, slings and casts, to support and protect broken bones, sprains and other soft tissue injuries

  • Use of crutches to take the weight off the lower body while walking

  • Orthopedic surgery, when needed, to treat more serious injuries, such as torn ligaments or complex bone fractures

Pediatric concussion management

At Children’s Health, we offer specialized pediatric concussion management with our experienced teams throughout North Texas:

Rehabilitation programs for pediatric sports injuries

Our rehabilitation services are designed to help athletes return safely to their sports and other activities as they’re completing their treatment. The Andrews Institute brings together all the experts and services an athlete needs to return to play. We offer:

Learn more about the Andrews Institute’s approach to treating acute sports injuries.

Doctors and Providers

Young athletes with sports injuries benefit from a range of treatments and rehabilitative programs provided by our skilled team of orthopedic and sports medicine specialists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources