Pediatrics Now - Practical Health Information for Today's Busy Families Dr. Gwenn Schurgin O'Keefe MD F.A.A.P

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Youth Sports Injury Guide

Age Considerations

Kids can play most sports at any age. However, a child’s level of participation and type of activity have to be age appropriate. The younger a child is, the more the game should be about skill building, confidence, and fun. Injuries occur when kids are either push past what their bodies can do, or are doing more than their body will allow.

Great words to play youth sports by

"Kids should play against their last best effort."

- Bob Bigelow, former NBA player and Youth Sports Activist

Injury Types by Sport

Sport

Most Common Injuries/Conditions

All Sports

Overuse and musculoskeletal injuries of body areas and muscle groups being used the most.

Tennis

Swimming

Areas Most Vulnerable: Shoulder and Arm

Rotator Cuff Injuries

Elbow ligament damage

Baseball

Softball

Areas Most Vulnerable: Shoulder, Arm, Fingers

Finger Injuries

Elbow Ligament Damage

Rotator Cuff Injuries

Gymnastics

Areas Most Vulnerable: Back, Foot, Ankle, Wrist, Hand

Lower back, foot/ankle, wrist/hand stress fractures

Basketball

Soccer

Areas Most Vulnerable: Fingers, Knees, Ankles

Ankle Sprains

Finger Injuries

Knee Ligament Injuries

Football

Areas Most Vulnerable: Head, Neck, Shoulders, Knees

Concussions

Neck injuries

Shoulder dislocations

Knee ligament injuries

Running

Sprinting

Areas Most Vulnerable: Lower Extremities from Hip to Toe

Overuse of knee, hip, and ankle

Plantar Fasciitis

Shin Splints

Foot And Ankle stress fractures

Wrestling

Areas Most Vulnerable: Neck, Shoulders, Arms

Shoulder and Elbow Strains

Neck Strains

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