Overuse injuries in youth sports.

Abstract

Although youth sports participation is beneficial on many levels, it is also associated with an increased risk of injury. Risk factors for injury in children and adolescents include the presence of growth cartilage, existence of muscle imbalance, and pressure to compete despite pain and fatigue. Overuse injuries, such as patellofemoral pain, Osgood-Schlatter disease, calcaneal apophysitis, Little League elbow, Little League shoulder, spondylolysis, and osteochondritis dissecans, are common injuries in organized sports. However, proper education, supervision, and training can help reduce the risk of these injuries and facilitate early intervention.