Kids love youth sports. More than half of all children in the U.S. participate in sports leagues, making it a cornerstone in physical and social development.
But as with any physical activity, sports participation comes with its fair share of bumps, bruises, sprains, strains, and more.
Keep reading to explore the world of youth sports injuries and when to score quick treatment when your child’s high-flying moves take a tumble.
Most Common Injuries in Youth Sports
More than 3.5 million children ages 14 and younger get hurt playing youth sports each year.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, sprains and strains top the list of most common youth sports injuries. Other common injuries include:
- Bone fractures
- Concussions
- Overuse injuries
- Bruises
- Dehydration
- Heat exhaustion
- Heatstroke
Overuse injuries are on the rise, accounting for nearly half of all middle and high school sports injuries each year, due to increasing focus on specific athletic skills (e.g., pitching) and year-round training.
Youth Sports Injuries: Statistics
The following youth sports injury statistics, sourced from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, highlight the prevalence of each type compared to all reported injuries.
- Sprains and strains: 36.8%
- Concussions: 21.6%
- Bone fractures: 3.5%
- Injuries to the head and face: 24.2%
- Injuries to the ankle: 17.6%
- Injuries to the knee: 14.1%
This information includes injury reports collected from 100 nationally representative high schools during the academic years 2015-2019.
Why Do Kids Have a Higher Risk of Injury?
Young athletes are at a higher risk of injury than adults due to their bones’ open growth plates, which are softer and weaker.
Growth plates are areas at the ends of bones where cartilage transitions into bone during childhood growth. These plates allow bones to grow (in length and width) until they reach their full adult size.
At CareWell, our providers are trained in assessing, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of youth sports injuries, ensuring compassionate care for young athletes—including those who may be nervous or upset.
What Sports Injuries Can Urgent Care Treat?
CareWell Urgent Care Centers and our teams of skilled providers are ready to treat a wide range of youth sports injuries efficiently and comprehensively, helping your child return to the pitch, court, or field safely. Here are some common sports injuries we typically manage (this list is not all-inclusive):
- Sprains and strains
- Bumps and bruises
- Minor cuts, lacerations, and abrasions
- Concussions and other minor head injuries
- Dislocations
- Overuse injuries
- Heat-related illnesses (e.g., dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke)
- Simple bone fractures
Many of our centers have X-ray imaging services to ensure your child receives prompt and comprehensive urgent care for their youth sports injury in the same location and on the same day.
Can Urgent Care Treat Fractures?
If you believe your child has sustained a minor bone fracture, visit CareWell Urgent Care for sports injury care and treatment. We provide prompt assessment, stabilization, and treatment for all simple fractures.
More severe fractures (e.g., those involving multiple breaks, compound fractures, or fractures requiring surgery) may require emergency room or specialized orthopedic care.
Expert Care for Youth Sports Injuries in Massachusetts and Rhode Island
We specialize in providing expert care for all types of sports injuries, ensuring prompt treatment and exceptional care tailored to your young athlete’s needs.
Visit CareWell Urgent Care for youth sports injuries, teen sports injuries, and experience our commitment to your child’s health, well-being, and recovery.
