4 of the Most Common Youth Sports Injuries We Treat

While sports provide many benefits for our youth, including discipline, teamwork, and exercise, these activities also present a risk of injury. The number of sports-related injuries has increased over the past decade due to the inclusion of younger children in competitive sports, seasonal sports that are now played year-round, and more intense training. Because we observe National Youth Sports Week this month, in today’s post, Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Anne Arundel County, MD, shares some of the most common sports injuries he treats in his office.

Here are the 4 most common youth sports injuries we treat.

1. Ankle sprains: Ankles are the most commonly injured joint in the body, which occurs when one or more of the three large ligaments that steady the ankle joint become overstretched. In most cases, the foot rolls inward, causing damage to the ligaments along the outer part of the ankle.

2. ACL tears: The ACL is the large ligament that stabilizes the knee. It can be torn when an athlete changes direction, stops suddenly, sustains a direct hit to their knee, or makes a sudden movement. The most common sport where ACL tears happen is football, but athletes participating in soccer, tennis, skiing, and basketball can also sustain ACL tears.

3. Little Leaguer’s Elbow: Recurring throwing can cause an elbow condition often called “Little Leaguer’s Elbow.” It develops when the ligaments and tendons that hold the bones of the elbow in place are pulled, which typically occurs when an athlete pitches a baseball with force.

4. Concussions: This traumatic brain injury happens when someone experiences a significant blow, bump, or bolt to the head that causes the brain to move within the skull. Concussions pose a particular risk to teens and adolescents because their brain isn’t completely developed until they reach their early-to-mid 20s.

Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Glen Burnie, MD, is here to handle sports injuries your child may experience. If your child is injured, please contact us immediately at (410) 761-3501 to schedule a visit.