Playing sports is an excellent way for kids to stay in good physical shape, improve their leadership skills, and make new friends. However, when young athletes overtrain, they put themselves at risk of suffering sports injuries. These injuries can prevent them from playing and even impact their physical development.

Sports Injuries That Are Common in Young Athletes

1. Concussions

While concussions can occur in almost any sport, they happen most frequently in football, soccer, volleyball, and baseball. Young athletes often suffer concussions when they are hit directly in the head by a ball. They may experience dizziness, a headache, and blurry vision. Kids who suffer this head injury should get plenty of rest and refrain from playing sports until they fully recover.

2. Ankle Sprains

Ankles sprains are one of the most common sports injuries in young athletes and occur when one of the ligaments in the ankle gets torn. Children often suffer ankle sprains when they turn or twist too fast while playing sports. The majority of these sprains heal within four to six weeks with proper rest and stretching exercises. However, more severe sprains require splints or even surgery.

3. Dehydration

Young athletes who don’t drink enough fluids while playing sports may suffer dehydration. They may experience extreme thirst, nausea, stomach pains, and headaches. Those who become dehydrated should stop playing immediately and drink water.

4. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears

ACL tears are one of the most common knee injuries children suffer while playing sports. These injuries are more common in sports that involve a lot of running and jumping, like basketball and football. Young athletes who suffer ACL tears hear a pop in their knee and feel excruciating pain. The type of treatment that’s needed will depend on the severity of the tear. Many severe ACL tears require surgery.

If your child has suffered a sports injury, trust the orthopedic doctors at Orthopaedic Associates of Rochester in Monroe County, NY. They treat a wide range of musculoskeletal health issues, including sports injuries and joint injuries. Whether your child requires shoulder repair or surgery for an ACL tear, these medical professionals will perform the procedure in a timely and compassionate manner. To schedule an appointment, call (585) 723-­3000 or visit their website to learn more about their services.