Youth Sports Medical Care: Supporting Young Athletes with Expert Attention
- 1 hour ago
- 13 min read
Sports can be an important part of childhood. They help kids stay active, build confidence, make friends, and learn how to work as a team. But whether your child plays travel soccer, school basketball, recreational baseball, gymnastics, or another sport, injuries can happen.
For parents, the difficult part is often knowing what to do next. Is that knee pain normal soreness? Should your child sit out practice? Does an ankle injury need an X-ray? And who can treat your child's injury if it doesn't get better?
Because children and teenagers are still growing, their injuries can be different from those seen in adults. Pediatric orthopedics focuses on the bones, joints, muscles, and other parts of the musculoskeletal system in growing children and adolescents. The goal isn't simply to get a young athlete back into the game as quickly as possible. It's to help them recover safely while protecting their long-term health and development.
At Arthritis & Sports Orthopaedics, pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. Candice Holden evaluates sports injuries, fractures, growth-related orthopedic concerns, and other musculoskeletal problems in children and teens at our Sterling and South Riding locations.
Key Takeaways
Children and teenagers can experience both sudden sports injuries and injuries that develop gradually from repeated activity.
Growing bones contain growth plates, which can be injured during sports and may require special attention.
Persistent pain, swelling, limping, difficulty moving a joint, or trouble putting weight on an injured leg can be signs that your child should be evaluated.
Pediatric orthopedic specialists are trained to evaluate bone and joint injuries while considering a child's continued growth and development.
Seeing a pediatric orthopedic surgeon does not mean your child will need surgery.
A safe return to sports should be based on recovery and function, not simply how many days or weeks have passed.
Why Is Medical Care Different for Young Athletes?
Children aren't simply smaller versions of adults. Their bodies are still developing, which can affect the types of injuries they experience and how those injuries are treated.
One of the biggest differences involves growth plates. These areas of cartilage are found near the ends of children's long bones and help determine the future length and shape of the mature bone. Because growth plates haven't yet hardened into solid bone, injuries involving them require careful evaluation.
An injury that causes a sprain in an adult, for example, may sometimes involve a growth plate in a child. This doesn't mean every sports injury is serious. It does mean that a child's age and stage of development should be considered when deciding how to treat an injury.
▶ Growing Bones Need Special Attention
Children's bones have an impressive ability to heal, but they're also changing as a child grows. The location and type of an injury, the child's age, and how much growth they have remaining may all influence treatment.
This is one reason pediatric orthopedics can play an important role when a child has a fracture, growth plate injury, joint problem, or other significant musculoskeletal injury.
▶ Growth Plates Can Be Injured During Sports
Growth plate injuries can happen during falls, collisions, twisting injuries, or repetitive sports activity. Most children with these injuries can be successfully treated, but some growth plate injuries have the potential to affect future bone growth. Proper diagnosis and follow-up are therefore important.
Concerned about your young athlete’s injury?
Meet Dr. Candice Holden, our board-certified pediatric orthopedic surgeon providing care for children and teens in Sterling and South Riding.
What Are the Most Common Sports Injuries in Young Athletes?
Young athletes can develop many of the same injuries as adults, but some problems are more closely connected with growth and development.
Common youth sports injuries include:
Sprains and strains
Broken bones and fractures
Growth plate injuries
Knee injuries
Ankle injuries
Shoulder and arm injuries
Stress injuries
Overuse injuries
The American Academy of Pediatrics identifies sprains, strains, growth plate irritation, and stress fractures among common sports-related problems in children and teenagers.
Injury Type | What It Is / How It Happens | Signs & When to Seek Care |
Sprains and Strains | A sprain involves a ligament, which connects one bone to another. A strain involves a muscle or tendon. These injuries often happen during running, jumping, landing, sudden changes in direction, or contact with another player. | Mild injuries may improve with rest and time. Medical evaluation may be appropriate if pain continues, swelling is significant, or your child has difficulty using the injured body part. |
Broken Bones and Fractures | Fractures are common childhood injuries and may happen after a fall, collision, or direct hit. | Symptoms can include pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, or difficulty moving or using the injured area. Symptoms are not always obvious, and tenderness directly over a bone in a growing child may deserve further evaluation. |
Growth Plate Injuries | Growth plate injuries are especially important in pediatric sports medicine and pediatric orthopedics because growth plates are unique to growing children. Some growth plate fractures can look similar to sprains. | A child may have pain, tenderness, swelling, or difficulty using the affected arm or leg. An examination may be helpful when pain is significant, persistent, or not improving. |
Knee Injuries in Young Athletes | Running, jumping, pivoting, and contact sports can place stress on a young athlete's knees. Injuries may involve the kneecap, ligaments, bones, growth areas, or surrounding muscles and tendons. | Seek medical evaluation for symptoms such as significant swelling, difficulty moving the knee, instability, or a popping sensation at the time of injury. |
Ankle and Foot Injuries | Ankle and foot injuries are common in sports that involve running, jumping, and quick changes in direction. A twisted ankle is not always a simple sprain and may sometimes involve a fracture or growth plate. | Consider evaluation when pain, swelling, difficulty walking, or other symptoms are significant or do not improve as expected. |
Shoulder and Arm Injuries | Young athletes who throw, swim, tumble, or participate in racquet and overhead sports may develop shoulder, elbow, wrist, or arm pain. Injuries may occur suddenly after a fall or collision or develop gradually from repeated movements. | Pain that keeps returning, worsens with activity, or interferes with normal sports participation should not automatically be accepted as part of playing a sport. |
Overuse Injuries | An overuse injury develops when repeated stress does not allow the body enough time to recover. Growing athletes may be especially vulnerable when repetitive activity places continued stress on bones, muscles, tendons, joints, or growth areas. | Signs may include pain during practices or games, pain that becomes more frequent, tenderness, swelling, reduced performance, difficulty completing normal activities, or pain that continues after activity ends. Early attention may help keep a manageable problem from becoming longer-lasting. |
How Do I Know if My Child's Sports Injury Needs Medical Attention?
It isn't always easy to know how serious an injury is just by looking at it. Kids may also have trouble explaining exactly what they're feeling.
Consider having your child evaluated when you notice:
Persistent or worsening pain
Significant swelling or bruising
Limping, difficulty walking, or difficulty putting weight on a leg
Difficulty moving an arm or joint normally
Weakness or a feeling that a joint is unstable
Pain directly over a bone
Repeated pain in the same area
Pain that limits sports, school, or normal daily activities
Symptoms that aren't improving as expected
When you're uncertain, an examination can help determine whether your child has a minor injury that needs time to recover or a problem that requires additional treatment.
Who Can Treat My Child's Sports Injury?
Depending on the injury, your child may be seen by a pediatrician, urgent care provider, emergency department, sports medicine physician, or pediatric orthopedic specialist.
The best choice depends on what happened, how severe the symptoms are, and whether the injury may involve a bone, joint, ligament, muscle, tendon, or growth plate.
▶ When Is a Pediatrician a Good Place to Start?
Your child's pediatrician may be a good starting point for a mild injury or when you're unsure what type of care is needed.
A pediatrician can evaluate symptoms and determine whether further orthopedic evaluation may be appropriate.
▶ When Should My Child See a Pediatric Orthopedic Specialist?
A pediatric orthopedic specialist may be appropriate for problems such as:
Suspected or confirmed fractures
Growth plate injuries
Significant joint injuries
Persistent musculoskeletal pain
Recurring sports injuries
Ongoing limping
Difficulty returning to normal activities
Bone or joint problems that aren't improving
For families in Northern Virginia, Dr. Candice Holden provides pediatric orthopedic care for young athletes at Arthritis & Sports Orthopaedics in Sterling and South Riding. She evaluates both acute injuries, such as fractures and joint injuries, and problems that develop gradually from sports participation.
▶ When Does a Sports Injury Need Emergency Care?
Some injuries shouldn't wait for a routine appointment.
Seek emergency medical care for serious symptoms such as heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness, confusion after a hard hit or fall, severe difficulty breathing, numbness or weakness, or signs of a major bone or joint injury. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends emergency evaluation when an injured athlete cannot put weight on either leg or walk without pain after a significant injury.
Suspected concussions and significant head, neck, or spine injuries also require appropriate medical evaluation rather than a quick return to play.
Pediatrician vs. Pediatric Orthopedist: Who Should a Young Athlete See?
A pediatrician can be a good first choice for general health concerns, minor injuries, or situations where you're not sure whether your child needs specialty care.
A pediatric orthopedic specialist focuses on conditions involving children's bones, joints, muscles, and movement. They may be particularly helpful for fractures, growth plate injuries, significant joint injuries, persistent orthopedic pain, and sports injuries that affect normal activity.
Emergency care is more appropriate when an injury involves serious trauma or concerning symptoms that need immediate attention.
Not sure whether your child's injury needs orthopedic care? Dr. Candice Holden evaluates pediatric sports injuries, fractures, joint pain, and other orthopedic concerns in Sterling and South Riding.
What Happens During a Pediatric Sports Injury Evaluation?
A pediatric orthopedic appointment usually starts with a conversation. The doctor will want to understand what happened and how the problem is affecting your child.
“With young athletes, we always have to think about both the injury in front of us and the fact that the child is still growing," says Dr. Holden.
An evaluation may include the following steps:
Discussing the injury. How did it happen? When did the pain start? Was there one specific event, or did symptoms develop slowly?
Reviewing symptoms and history. The doctor may ask about previous injuries, your child's sport, and activities that make the symptoms better or worse.
Performing a physical examination. This may include checking tenderness, movement, strength, stability, and how your child walks or uses the injured area.
Deciding whether imaging is needed. Some injuries require an X-ray or other imaging, while others can initially be evaluated without it.
Explaining the diagnosis and treatment options. Parents and children should understand the problem and why a particular treatment is recommended.
Planning a safe return to activity. Recovery should include guidance about when and how to return to sports.
Does My Child Need an X-Ray After a Sports Injury?
Not every sports injury requires an X-ray.
The decision depends on how the injury happened, your child's symptoms, the physical examination, and whether there is concern about a fracture or another bone or joint injury.
Other imaging may sometimes be recommended depending on the suspected condition.
If you're concerned about an injury, don't assume that a normal-looking arm or leg means there can't be a fracture. Some pediatric injuries can cause limited swelling or other subtle symptoms.
How Are Youth Sports Injuries Treated?
Treatment depends on the injury and the individual child. Many sports injuries can be treated without surgery.
A treatment plan may include:
▶ Rest and Activity Modification
Sometimes the first step is simply giving the injured area time to recover. That may mean temporarily stopping one activity rather than all physical activity. Your child's healthcare provider can help determine what is safe.
▶ Bracing, Splinting, or Casting
Some injuries need additional support while they heal. Depending on the condition, a brace, splint, or cast may be used to protect the injured area and limit movement.
▶ Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Physical therapy can be an important part of recovery for certain sports injuries. Rehabilitation may focus on:
Restoring normal movement
Improving strength
Improving balance and control
Rebuilding sport-specific function
Preparing for a safe return to activity
▶ Surgery When Necessary
Some fractures, ligament injuries, or other orthopedic conditions may require surgery. However, surgery isn't the starting point for every injury. The recommended treatment should depend on the diagnosis, severity of the injury, your child's growth and development, and their individual needs.
Does Seeing a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon Mean My Child Needs Surgery?
No.
Pediatric orthopedic surgeons provide both nonsurgical and surgical care. Many young athletes recover with treatments such as activity changes, splinting, casting, bracing, physical therapy, or rehabilitation.
Surgery is considered when the specific injury or condition makes it medically appropriate.
At Arthritis & Sports Orthopaedics, Dr. Candice Holden specializes in both nonsurgical and surgical treatment of pediatric orthopedic injuries and conditions. She has more than 20 years of experience in pediatric orthopedic care.
Should a Child Play Through Sports Pain?
A little muscle soreness after a new or difficult workout can happen. Persistent or worsening pain is different.
Parents should pay attention when pain:
Keeps returning in the same place
Changes the way a child runs, throws, or moves
Causes limping
Limits performance
Continues after activity
Gets worse from one practice to the next
Causes a child to avoid an activity they normally enjoy
Continuing to train through an injury can delay recovery or make some conditions worse. Young athletes should be encouraged to speak up when something hurts rather than feeling pressure to hide pain.
When Can My Child Return to Sports After an Injury?
There isn't one return-to-sports timeline that works for every child or every injury.
Being ready to return may depend on:
The type and severity of the injury
Healing
Pain
Range of motion
Strength
Stability and balance
Ability to complete sport-specific movements
Guidance from the treating healthcare professional
A child may feel better before the injured area has fully recovered. Returning too soon can increase the chance of worsening an existing injury.
For that reason, return-to-play decisions should be based on your child's recovery rather than simply reaching a certain date on the calendar.
How Can Parents Help Reduce Youth Sports Injuries?
Not every sports injury can be prevented, but healthy training habits can help young athletes manage the demands placed on their bodies.
Parents and coaches can support young athletes by encouraging:
Proper warm-ups
Gradual increases in training
Appropriate protective equipment
Rest and recovery time
Good communication when something hurts
Age-appropriate training
Proper technique
Recovery before returning after an injury
The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends avoiding excessive training and taking steps to reduce overuse injuries in children and teens.
Perhaps most importantly, children should know that reporting pain isn't letting their team down. Taking care of an injury today may help them continue enjoying sports for years to come.
Pediatric Orthopedic Care for Young Athletes in Northern Virginia
When an injury keeps your child from doing what they love, getting clear answers matters.
Candice P. Holden, MD is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Arthritis & Sports Orthopaedics who cares for children and adolescents with fractures, sports injuries, joint problems, and other orthopedic conditions. Dr. Holden is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience treating pediatric orthopedic injuries and disorders using both nonsurgical and surgical approaches.
Dr. Holden sees patients at our Sterling and South Riding, Virginia locations, serving families throughout Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.
Whether your child is dealing with a fracture, sports injury, persistent joint pain, or another orthopedic concern, an evaluation can help you understand the problem and determine the appropriate next step.
Learn more about our Pediatric Orthopaedics services or request an appointment with Dr. Candice Holden in Sterling or South Riding →
Pediatric Orthopedics & Youth Sports FAQs
Who can treat my child's sports injury?
Depending on the injury, your child may be evaluated by a pediatrician, urgent care provider, sports medicine physician, emergency department, or pediatric orthopedic specialist. A pediatric orthopedic specialist may be appropriate when an injury involves a fracture, growth plate, joint, or persistent musculoskeletal pain.
When should my child see a pediatric orthopedic doctor?
Consider a pediatric orthopedic evaluation when your child has a suspected fracture, significant joint injury, persistent pain, recurring sports injury, ongoing limp, trouble bearing weight, or difficulty returning to normal activity.
What are the most common sports injuries in children?
Common youth sports injuries include sprains, strains, fractures, growth plate injuries, stress injuries, and overuse conditions. Knee, ankle, foot, shoulder, elbow, and wrist problems are also common depending on the sport and type of activity.
What is a growth plate injury?
A growth plate injury affects an area of developing cartilage near the end of a growing child's bone. These areas help bones grow to their mature length and shape. Some growth plate injuries can affect future bone growth, which is why appropriate diagnosis and follow-up are important.
How do I know if my child's sports injury is serious?
Severe pain, significant swelling, obvious deformity, inability to walk or bear weight, numbness, weakness, heavy bleeding, or concerning symptoms after a head injury can require prompt medical attention. If you're unsure about the severity of an injury, contact an appropriate healthcare professional for guidance.
Should I take my child to urgent care or an orthopedic specialist?
It depends on the injury. Urgent care may be appropriate for certain injuries that need same-day evaluation. A pediatric orthopedic specialist may be appropriate for fractures, growth plate injuries, significant joint injuries, or ongoing orthopedic problems. Serious injuries or concerning neurologic symptoms may require emergency care.
Does my child need an X-ray after a sports injury?
Not always. Whether an X-ray is needed depends on the injury, symptoms, physical examination, and concern for a fracture or other bone or joint problem. A healthcare professional can determine whether imaging is appropriate after examining your child.
Does seeing a pediatric orthopedic surgeon mean my child needs surgery?
No. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons provide both nonsurgical and surgical treatment. Many childhood sports injuries can be managed with rest, activity changes, bracing, casting, physical therapy, or other nonsurgical treatments.
What are overuse injuries in young athletes?
Overuse injuries develop gradually when repeated stress on the body exceeds its ability to recover. Young athletes may develop pain in bones, muscles, tendons, joints, or growth areas after repeated running, jumping, throwing, or other sports activities.
Should my child play through sports pain?
Persistent or worsening pain shouldn't be ignored. Pain that keeps returning, changes how your child moves, causes limping, limits performance, or continues after activity should be evaluated. Continuing activity before an injury has healed may make some conditions worse.
When can my child return to sports after an injury?
There is no single timeline for returning to sports. The decision depends on the injury, healing, pain, motion, strength, stability, sport demands, and advice from the treating healthcare professional. Returning before adequate recovery may increase the risk of worsening the injury.
Can physical therapy help a young athlete recover from an injury?
Yes, physical therapy may be recommended for many sports injuries. Depending on the condition, rehabilitation can help restore movement, strength, balance, and function while preparing the athlete for a safe return to their sport.
Concerned About Your Young Athlete's Injury?
If pain, swelling, limping, or another sports-related problem is keeping your child from participating normally, Dr. Candice Holden can evaluate the injury and help determine the appropriate next step.
Dr. Holden sees pediatric orthopedic patients at Arthritis & Sports Orthopaedics in Sterling and South Riding, Virginia.
