Top 5 Most Common Sporting Injuries For Kids & Teens

Youth sports in America have been a huge undertaking for kids and teens for many years.  Kids as young as five have the ability to get into competitive sports, and attendance seems to get larger every year.  

 

Youth sports is so popular among young people, that it is also the second leading cause of ER visits for kids and teens.  If your kids want to get involved in youth sports, the option should be there.  

 

However, educating yourself about the dangers will help you to better prepare your kids for the sport of their choosing.  Take a moment to read through a few of the most common sporting injuries for kids and teens, and stay in the know about your child’s health and safety.  

 

Head injuries 

 

Head injuries are at the top of the list for commonality in youth contact sports.  You should never allow your child to compete in sports which require a helmet without the best possible head protection you can afford.  

 

Concussions can alter the growth and development of your child’s brain, and a good youth football game simply isn’t worth the negative consequences of a traumatic brain injury.  If your child suffers a concussion more than once in a sport, it’s time to move on to something else.  

 

Ankle injuries

 

Ankle sprains are extremely common in youth sports.  The supporting ligaments in the ankle aren’t always the strongest, and they can easily be tweaked or rolled.  It’s a painful injury, but your child will be okay.  

 

However, repeated ankle injuries could lead to a much bigger issue.  Again, there should always be a cutoff point for the injuries your young athlete can suffer.  

 

Knee injuries

 

Your young ladies are at a higher risk for pain in the front of their knees.  Most people are familiar with tearing the ACL in the knee, but there are other injuries that could cause considerable pain for your child.  Keep an eye out for a trouble known as patellofemoral syndrome.  When the patella (kneecap) is overloaded with strain or pressure, young athletes can experience pain.  

 

Dehydration

 

It’s important to keep close tabs on your young athlete’s hydrating habits.  Kids can become dehydrated from working out in the heat, drinking too many caffeinated drinks, or being sick.  If your kid is feeling particularly puny, they may need some water and rest.  

 

Shoulder dislocation

 

If you have young kids who are involved in competitive swimming or baseball, they have a heightened risk of shoulder injury.  Pitching and swimming requires the athlete to use their rotator cuff muscles regularly.  

 

Sometimes the small muscles that hold the shoulder together simply get overworked.  Weak or overworked muscles can lead to shoulder dislocation and other painful experiences for your kid.