Preventing Sports Injuries in Children & Teens

Sports help children and teens keep their bodies fit and their confidence strong. Kids can enjoy the camaraderie and excitement of athletic events while developing new skills. The most frequent sports injuries among U.S. children and teens include sprains, strains, growth plate irritation, and stress fractures. To keep sports safe and fun for kids, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends some tips to help prevent common injuries among youth athletes.

Although all sports have a risk of injury, in general, the more contact in a sport, the greater the risk of traumatic injury. However, most injuries in young athletes occur due to overuse. To avoid this type of injury, the AAP recommends that children and teens play various sports and that parents enroll their children in sports that are appropriate for their age, development, and physical abilities.

The AAP encourages children to wear the right gear when playing sports. Players should wear appropriate and properly fitting protective equipment such as pads, helmets, mouthpieces, face guards, protective cups, and eyewear. Youth players are encouraged to use the proper techniques for each sport. This, partnered with exercises that strengthen muscles and increase flexibility, reduces the risk of injury. If physical activity hurts youth players, they should take a break and not push through the pain. Youth players should drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after intense exercise to avoid dehydration.

The AAP recommends that parents be aware of the emotional stress that sports can put on children and teens. The pressure to win or to be the best player among their peers can be overwhelming for youth players. Young athletes should be judged by their effort, sportsmanship, and dedication. The main goal of youth sports should be to have fun and learn lifelong physical skills.