PEDIATRIC ATHLETE INJURIES CARE AND PREVENTION

Over 30 million children participate in non- school youth programs. Each child develops differently and acquires different levels of strength, speed and athletic skills. There are age guidelines for beginning participation in competitive youth sports. At age 6 non-contact sports such as swimming, tennis, track and field are recommended, By age 8, contact sports can be introduced such as soccer, basketball, and wrestling. By the age of 10 collision sports such as tackle football, lacrosse, and ice hockey. Again, these are only guidelines and development and the child’s level of interest are important in choosing a sport. Boxing and trampoline are high risk and children should avoid. Prevention of injuries in children can be accomplished by allowing the child to participate at their age level, participating in one sport per season, with proper conditioning and strengthen training programs. Strengthen training should be a part of a broad program designed to increase motor and pro-proprioception skills to increase fitness. Children should not perform maximum weight lifting, with an emphasis on concentric weight lifting rather than eccentric lifting. Children can train with older children when properly supervised; however, they should compete at the similar age level. Overuse injuries such chronic tendinitis, pain and stress fracture can be prevented by children participating 3-5 times a week, and playing one sport per season. Children need a proper rest period in order to repair, remodel and grow. Over participation increase the risk of acute injury and chronic injuries. Overuse injuries are classified from grade one to four. A Grade I is pain after the activity is over. A grade II is pain with activity that does not restrict but may affect performance. Grade III is pain with activity that restricts and affects performance moderately to severely, and a Grade IV is pain with activity and rest. The most common overuse injuries are: Little Leaguer’s elbow (ligament injury or ), Golfer’s elbow ( Medial Epicondylitis), (Lateral Epicondylitis), Breast Stroker’s (Swimmer’s knee), iliotibial band syndrome, plantar , and jumper knee. Others include , rotator cuff tendinitis, supra-patella tendinitis, peritoneal tendinitis, and tibial tendinitis. The mainstay of treatment of overuse injuries is to reduce frequency and intensity of participation. The general principles and therapies of protection, rest, ice, compression, elevation and support are initially recommended (PRICES). If pain persists then the athlete needs to be evaluated by Sports Medicine Physician and secondary therapies will need be considered and implemented. These are; the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections (not in young athletes), physical therapy and physical modalities to reduce inflammation, swelling, pain and restore range of motion and strengthen. Also, the use of prescribed exercise and stretching should be used along with supportive devices and braces (NIPED). Dr. Michael A. Kennedy Sports Medicine- Board Certified Expert Medical Care