Youth Sports Injuries

Youth sports injuries are increasing in number. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that the number of ACL injuries in 14 - 18-year-olds has increased by 148% in the past 10 years. We have all heard how overuse injuries have multiplied with throwing sports, with athletes requiring surgeries at a young age due to elbow or shoulder injuries. Because of this there is now more focus on pitch counts and emphasis on rest days between throwing.

Many young athletes and their parents feel that specializing in their chosen sport from an early age will make them a better athlete, and more likely to succeed in their sport. But performing the skills of one sport repetitively can cause overuse injuries and lead to decreased performance. It is more important for a young athlete to develop general athletic skills by participating in a variety of different activities. Many of the most successful professional athletes were multi-sport athletes well into their teenage years. A study from 2017 done by the University of Wisconsin found that high school athletes who specialized in one sport were 70% more likely to sustain a lower extremity injury than athletes who played multiple sports.

Seeing the big picture is difficult for an young athlete in the middle of a sports season but is essential for a long and successful athletic career. Parents and coaches should be encouraging students to mix it up and participate in different sports or activities during the year. Taking at least a 3 month break from their primary sport is essential to maintain the health of joints and connective tissues. This doesn’t mean you do nothing for 3 months! Staying active by participating in a different sport, and working out to improve strength and power can reduce the risk of injury and positively affect the ability to be a successful athlete.

David R. Bell, Eric G. Post, Kevin Biese, Curtis Bay, Tamara Valovich McLeod; Sport Specialization and Risk of Overuse Injuries: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis. Pediatrics September 2018; 142 (3): e20180657. 10.1542/peds.2018-0657