Preventing Children's Sports Injuries

Preventing Children's Sports Injuries

Causes of Sports Injuries



Kids can be particularly at risk for sports injuries for a variety of reasons. Kids, especially those younger than 8 years old, are less coordinated and have slower reaction times than adults because they are still growing and developing. Also, kids mature at different rates, with differences in height and weight between kids of the same age. And when kids of varying sizes play sports together, there can be an increased risk of injury.


Also, kids may not judge the risks of certain activities as well as adults would, which can lead to injuries.

Preventing Sports Injuries

You can help protect your kids from being injured by following some simple guidelines:

Use of Proper Equipment


Ask your child's coach about the appropriate helmets, shoes, mouthguards, athletic cups and supporters, and padding. For racquet sports, field hockey, lacrosse, basketball, softball, and baseball, ask about any protective eyewear, like shatterproof glasses.


In the United States, the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) sets many of the standards for helmets, facemasks, and shin guards. Besides meeting the NOSCAE standards, all equipment should be properly cared for so it stays effective over time.

Maintenance and Appropriateness of Playing Surfaces


Adult Supervision and Commitment to Safety



And make sure your kids play sports that match their skill level, size, and physical and emotional maturity.

Proper Preparation

Just as you wouldn't send a child who can't swim to a swimming pool, it's important not to send kids to play a sport that they're unprepared to play. Make sure that they know how to play the sport before going out on the field.

Kids should be adequately prepared with warm-ups and training sessions before practices and before games. This will help ensure that they have fun and reduce the chances of an injury. They also should should drink plenty of fluids and be allowed periods of rest during practices and games.

Common Types of Sports Injuries

Three common types of sports injuries in kids and teens are acute injuries, overuse injuries, and reinjuries:

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries happen suddenly and are usually associated with some form of trauma. In younger children, acute injuries often include minor bruises, sprains, and strains. Teen athletes are more likely to sustain more severe injuries, including broken bones and torn ligaments.

Severe acute injuries that can happen at any age include: eye injuries, including scratched corneas, detached retinas, and blood in the eye; broken bones or ligament injuries; brain injuries, including concussions, skull fractures, brain hemorrhages; and spinal cord injuries.

Acute injuries often happen because of a lack of proper equipment or the use of improper equipment. For example, without protective eyewear, eye injuries are extremely common in basketball and racquet sports. And many kids playing baseball and softball have suffered broken legs or ankles from sliding into immobile bases.

Overuse Injuries

Overuse injuries are caused by repetitive actions that put too much stress on the bones and muscles. Although they can happen in adults too, they're more problematic in young athletes because they can affect bone growth.


Some of the most common types of overuse injuries are:

Overuse injuries can be caused or aggravated by:





Treating Sports Injuries

Treatment of sports injuries depends on the type of injury.

For acute injuries, many pediatric sports medicine specialists usually take a "better safe than sorry" approach. If an injury appears to affect basic functioning in any way — for example, if your child can't bend a finger, is limping, or has had a change in consciousness — first aid should be given immediately. A doctor should then see your child. If the injury seems to be more serious, it's important to take your child to the nearest hospital emergency department.

For overuse injuries, the philosophy is similar. If your child complains of pain, it's the body's way of saying there's a problem. Limit activity until your child sees a doctor. The doctor can then determine whether it's safe to return to play or if your child needs to see a sports medicine specialist. Doctors usually can diagnose overuse injuries by taking a medical history, examining the child, and ordering X-rays, if needed.

It's important to get overuse injuries diagnosed and treated to prevent them from turning into larger, chronic problems. Doctors may advise young athletes to temporarily change or stop an activity to limit stress on the body. In some cases, it might not be possible to return to the sport without risking further injury.

Because overuse injuries are characterized by swelling, a doctor may prescribe rest, medicines to ease inflammation, and physical therapy. When recovery is complete, your child's technique or training schedule might need to be adjusted to prevent the injury from flaring up again.

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: January 2015
Originally reviewed by: Alfred Atanda Jr., MD


© 1995-2015 KidsHealth® All rights reserved.

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