Athletes are often subjected to a culture where in order to play, they need to perform. An athlete may even ignore pain they’re experiencing in order to stay in the game. While athletes may not think this is a big deal, it can lead to a domino effect of injuries that follow them for the rest of their lives.

Young athletes are at a greater risk for injury because they are still growing and developing. Assessing pain and injuries in children should not be approached the same way we consider adult injuries. One reason is that the growth plates in children are weaker than mature bone. Growth plates close at different ages depending on the location of the bone and sex of the athlete. Research has shown that early intervention is important for improved patient outcomes. Delaying treatment can have potential detrimental effects down the line.

As a parent, you can help prevent your child from becoming injured with the following guidelines.

• Athletes should perform a proper warmup to prepare the body for exercise.
• Make sure your child follows correct conditioning and training techniques to properly prepare for competition.
• Athletes should always wear appropriate protective equipment and gear.
• Make sure your child gets enough rest so their body can recover from working out and performing. Build in days of rest as part of their training regimen.
• Have your child take a break from their main sport or vary the sports they play throughout the year to improve their overall performance and durability.

Sports injuries do not have to mean the end of a child’s participation in athletics. Young athletes recover quite well when given the proper education and instructions regarding their injuries. Most injuries will resolve when rest is part of the treatment plan, allowing the body to properly heal itself. If your child becomes injured, remember to use rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) until you can get them to the doctor.

A young athlete should not ignore their pain. Pain is the body’s way of warning us that something is wrong, and it is important to listen. The healthcare professionals at CHKD are here to help athletes stay active. To schedule an appointment with a CHKD sports medicine physician, call 757-668-PLAY (7529).

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About CHKD Sports Medicine

CHKD's sports medicine program offers the most comprehensive care for your young athlete. From diagnosis and treatment to customized rehabilitation plans, we specialize in physical therapy and injury prevention programs for active children and teens. Our team is composed of pediatric orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine specialists, physician assistants, certified athletic trainers and pediatric sports medicine physical therapists.