Connecticut Children's Blog

Getting back on the field (or rink, track, court or wherever) after months off comes with a risk of injury. Overuse injuries can occur in any sport – from “Little League Elbow” to back issues to ACL tears and ankle sprains. Connecticut Children’s pediatric orthopedic surgeons share advice for youth athletes to safely build back […]

By Donna M. Pacicca, MD and Raymond P. Lorenzoni, III, MD All parents of aspiring athletes think about their child’s safety—it’s only natural. But when events like what happened to Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin take over the headlines, we can’t help but ask questions. Why did this football player’s heart stop on the field at […]

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in basketball athletes of all ages. And all too often, many players have to sit most of the season out depending on how severe the injury.  This is a situation no athlete and their parents, understandably, want to face. >Related: The Pressure to Win: Sports and […]

In recent years, athletes from Simone Biles to Naomi Osaka to Michael Phelps have come forward to talk about the importance of mental health, along with the impact of sports and competition. Lots of young athletes can relate. A sport can all too easily switch from a source of joy to a source of stress. […]

By Adel Lolic, MS, Sports Exercise Technologist  Goal! Soccer is a popular sport for school-aged kids and teens! Soccer can also be tough on the body. As with any sport, soccer can lead to overuse injuries—or injuries that come from doing too much of the same activity over time. (Think: shin splints with running or […]

Technology that enables a devastating sports injury to heal itself? At Connecticut Children’s, it’s no longer beyond imagination. Connecticut Children’s recently became the first health system in Connecticut to use the BEAR® Implant to treat a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), one of the most common sports injuries in the U.S.  The implant is injected […]

By: Pam Rosow, MS, RD and Jennifer Zarrilli, RD, CNSC An athlete’s body needs plenty of fuel, whether they’re just starting out or part of an elite team. All those sprints, drills and fitness challenges take a lot of energy! Luckily, some simple habits go a long way. Sports nutritionist Pam Rosow, MS, RD, and […]

Play ball! Baseball and softball season is about to start, and we’re excited to cheer on players. Whether your child is an elite athlete or a Little Leaguer, we want to keep them injury-free. Connecticut Children’s sports physical therapist Dylan Roman, PT, DPT, shares how to spot common injuries early – and better yet, reduce […]

It’s important for all kids to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day for their heart health – and it’s important for athletes to stay active in order to prevent injury. So how about a fitness challenge as we head toward the chillier season? Connecticut Children’s pediatric orthopedic surgeon Allison Crepeau, MD, […]

A good warm-up prior to exercise is one of the best ways for young athletes to prevent sports injury and perform at their best, when done properly. Plus, if a child learns how to properly stretch and warm up for sports at a young age, there is a greater chance that they’ll carry that habit […]