| Active kids tend to be at risk of overuse injuries when growing bodies and repeated motion collide. Symptoms such as activity-related pain, swelling, or limpness tend to emerge gradually, but early attention can make all the difference. POBAR offers thoughtful orthopedic assessment, customized plans, and ongoing support to help your child recover, grow strong, and enjoy the sports they love. If you’re worried about persistent pain or want to prevent injuries, contact us today, because every child deserves a joyful, active future. |
Watching your child thrive in sports and play is a joy, but for many active young ones, too much too soon can lead to something called an overuse injury. These injuries, caused by repeated stress rather than a single accident, can creep in quietly yet interfere with your child’s comfort, confidence, and growth.
We understand the unique challenges of growing bodies. We’re here to help you recognize overuse injuries in active kids, know what to do, and support your child every step of the way—with care, clarity, and compassion.
What Are Overuse Injuries—and Why They Matter
Unlike sprains or fractures, overuse injuries build up over time. These often affect muscles, tendons, bones, and growth plates—areas still developing in young athletes. Up to half of pediatric sports injuries fall into this category
Common types in children include:
- Patellar tendonitis (Jumper’s knee)
- Osgood‑Schlatter and Sever’s diseases (growth plate inflammation)
- Little League shoulder/elbow
- Shin splints, stress fractures
- Osteochondritis dissecans, especially in the knee/elbow
Without early attention, these injuries can lead to persistent pain, movement problems, and even missed seasons. But with timely action, most kids recover fully, often regaining strength and confidence along the way.
Signs Every Parent Should Know
Your intuition matters—when something feels off, it often is. Watch for:
- Gradual, activity-related pain
Pain that worsens during the sport and eases with rest, but returns with activity. - Tenderness, swelling, stiffness
Especially over joints like knees, heels, elbows, or shins. - Changing movement or technique
Limping, favoring one side, or altered mechanics. - Reduced enthusiasm
Avoiding sports, practices, or expressing frustration during play. - Pain that returns quickly
Even after rest or home care, the discomfort comes back.
Why Growing Bodies Are at Risk
Children’s bones, muscles, and growth plates grow at different rates. Bones often outpace muscles and tendons, leaving areas vulnerable to repetitive stress. Early specialization—focusing on one sport year-round—can increase risk dramatically.
Additional risk factors include:
- Rapid growth spurts
- High training volume with poor rest
- Improper technique or poorly fitted equipment
- Muscle weakness or imbalance
How to Respond as a Parent
1. Listen and Rest
If your child reports pain or discomfort, encourage rest. Ice, gentle compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.) can help ease symptoms.
2. Ask Questions
- When did the pain start?
- What makes it better or worse?
- Are daily activities affected?
Documenting these details helps at your appointment.
3. Modify Activities
Switch to low-impact options (swimming or biking), reduce intensity, and limit repetitions to support recovery.
4. Seek Expert Support
If symptoms persist for more than a week or worsen, contact us. Our specialists will perform a careful evaluation—using physical exams, imaging if needed, and growth assessments—to diagnose and guide the next steps.
What to Expect at POBAR
- Gentle assessment: Observing motion, tenderness, and alignment.
- Understanding the picture: What sports, training habits, or life changes could be involved?
- Clear communication: We explain findings in family-friendly language.
- Collaborative plan: This may include rest, physical therapy, bracing, and technique coaching, with a goal to bring your child back to the activities they love.
Preventing Overuse Injuries
Proactive measures can protect your child:
- Promote cross‑training: Encourage playing multiple sports or activities.
- Build strength and flexibility: Balanced conditioning reduces muscle imbalance.
- Ensure proper rest: Include rest days and limit sport hours relative to your child’s age.
- Check technique: Work with coaches to ensure good biomechanics.
- Fit gear correctly: Shoes, braces, and protective equipment matter.
- Watch growth spurts: Reduce intensity during rapid growth phases.
Early awareness is key—listening to your child and slowing down when needed can prevent small pains from becoming big problems.
We’re Partners in Your Child’s Care
We understand the pride and concern that come with raising an active child. Our pediatric orthopedic and sports-injury experts treat the whole child—physically, emotionally, and within the context of their family and sport. Together, we help children recover, regain confidence, and return to play—stronger and happier than before.
Contact POBAR and Let’s Take the Next Step Together
If you suspect your child may be experiencing an overuse injury or if you’d like support building a prevention plan, please reach out. Schedule an evaluation with POBAR today. We’ll listen with care, act with expertise, and help your child heal with their whole future in mind.
FAQ
What counts as an overuse injury?
It’s pain or discomfort that builds with repeated activity—like growing knees, heels, elbows, or lower back—and isn’t tied to a single injury.
How long should pain last before seeing a doctor?
If symptoms persist beyond a week, return after rest, or interfere with daily life or sports, it’s time to get evaluated.
Will my child need an X-ray or an MRI?
Sometimes imaging is needed to check bones or growth plates. We’ll only recommend it if it adds helpful information.
Can rest alone fix the problem?
Rest helps, but additional measures—like physical therapy, strengthening, and sport modification—often speed healing and prevent recurrence.
Should we stop the sport completely?
Temporary reduction helps, but permanent avoidance isn’t always necessary. We’ll help guide a return-to-play plan that promotes safe, sustained progress.
