Young athletes today are often practicing three to four hours a day, four to five times per week. Weekends are often spent competing hours at a time. As intensity of sport participation has increased so has the injury level of the upper extremities. Understanding that kids are not little adults and respecting the growing body is key to staying in the game. The good news is that focus on how to prevent overuse injury in sports for growing athletes is also on the rise. Listed below are 5 common upper extremity overuse injuries in young athletes and ways to help prevent these injuries.
Medical Name: Proximal Humeral Epiphysitis
Common Sports: Baseball, Tennis, Cricket, Volleyball, Overhead Throwing1
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Medical Name: Lateral Epicondylosis/Medial Epicondylosis
Common Sports: Tennis, Racquet Sports, Rock Climbing, Golf, Bowling, Cheerleading
Click here for further information on elbow pain.
Medical Name: Distal Radial Physeal Stress Syndrome
Common Sports: Gymnastics, Cheerleading, Power Tumbling, Acro
Click here for further information on wrist pain in gymnasts.
Medical Name: Osteochondritis dissecans
Common Sports: Gymnastics, Cheerleading, Power Tumbling
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Medical Name: De Quervains Tenosynovitis
Common Sports: Golf, Cheerleading, Racquet Sports
Remember that these little athletes are still growing. They have growth plates that are prone to injury and muscles and tendons that are trying to keep up with their growing bones causing tightness. That development can occur even into the twenties for some. Most children can respond well to conservative treatment and teaching our youth about reporting pain early is important. Sports can be fun, promote good health, provide goals, and build great relationships.
If you think you have a sports-related injury, see an Athletico Physical Therapist for a free assessment!
The Athletico blog is an educational resource written by Athletico employees. Athletico bloggers are licensed professionals who abide by the code of ethics outlined by their respective professional associations. The content published in blog posts represents the opinion of the individual author based on their expertise and experience. The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied on for making personal health decisions.
Recommended Reading:
National Athletic Trainers’ Association Position Statement: Prevention of Pediatric Overuse Injuries
References:
1. Walsh, James. “Information and Rehabilitation Advice for: Proximal Humeral Epiphysitis.” James Walsh Osteopathy. 02 April 2015.
2. Frush, Todd J. and Lindenfeld, Thomas N. “Peri-epiphyseal and Overuse Injuries in Adolescent Athletes.” Sports Health. 2009 May; 1(3): 201-211.
3. Wilson, Burke. “Physical Therapist’s Guide to Proximal Humeral Epiphysitits.” Move Forward. Move Forward PT Editorial Board. 02 Apr. 2015.
4. “Physical Therapist’s Guide to Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis).” Move Forward. Move Forward PT Editorial Board. 02 Apr. 2015.
5. Jones, Tracy. “Gymnast’s Wrist (Distal Radial Physeal Stress Syndrome).” Orthobullets. 02 Apr 2015.
6. Stanley, Laura. “Physical Therapist’s Guide to Osteochondritis Dissecans.” Move Forward. Move Forward PT Editorial Board. 02 Apr. 2015.
7. Elizabeth Dallas, Boris Alexandra. 02 April 2015.