Caring for Your Athletes

Pediatric sports medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating sports injuries in children and young adults. Your child should see a specialist if they have sustained an injury that isn’t improving with rest or shows signs of a more serious issue, such as joint instability, persistent pain or difficulty moving.

Common sports injuries in children include ACL tears, meniscus tears, concussions and dislocations. These injuries often occur in high-impact sports like soccer, basketball and football. 

Children’s bones, muscles and tendons are still growing, making them more vulnerable to certain injuries like growth plate fractures. These injuries require specialized treatment to ensure they don’t interfere with the child’s growth and development.

The amount of rest required depends on the severity of the injury. For minor injuries, a few days of rest may suffice, while more serious injuries, such as an ACL tear, may require weeks or months of recovery. Our team will provide a tailored recovery plan based on your child’s condition.

Treatment options for ligament and soft tissue injuries range from physical therapy and bracing to surgical repair. The treatment depends on the injury’s severity, and our sports medicine team will help determine the best approach for your child.

Concussions require careful management for a full recovery. Rest is critical, and your child may need to avoid physical activities and screen time for several days or weeks. Our specialists will monitor your child’s recovery and guide their safe return to sports when the time is right.

Dislocations resulting from sports injuries can affect the shoulder, elbow, knee or hip. Treatment involves realigning the joint and immobilizing it with a brace or cast to promote healing. Physical therapy may also be recommended to restore strength and stability in the affected area. In some cases, surgery may be required for severe dislocations.

Preventing sports injuries often involves proper conditioning, technique and equipment. Our sports medicine team can provide injury prevention programs that include strength training, flexibility exercises and education on safe playing techniques to help developing athletes stay healthy and injury-free.