The number of children participating in organized sports is on the rise, which has led to an increase in sports injuries across the pediatric population. In fact, the majority of sports injuries seen in emergency rooms occur in individuals under the age of 19. It is estimated that half of these injuries are due to overuse. 

Factors that Contribute to Pediatric Sports Injuries

When looking further into how these injuries may occur, one needs to be aware that both intrinsic and extrinsic factors contribute to this increase in the number of injuries in children.  

Intrinsic factors are influential variables that occur from within, such as: 

  • Physical development/immaturity
  • Growth rate differences between bone and soft tissue
  • Injuries from overuse
  • Biomechanical factors
  • Psychological factors (like a “win at all costs” mentality)

Extrinsic factors are variables that come from external sources and can include the following:

  • Heightened intensity of practices and competition schedules
  • Little to no recovery time between seasons in those participating in multiple sports
  • Specialization/overtraining in a singular sport
  • Absence of sport-specific training
  • Lack of pre-season training/conditioning
  • Deficiencies in formal training of coaches in conditioning/training, injury prevention, and growth and development

Reducing Risk of Sports Injuries in Children

While not all of the above factors can be controlled, the ones that can should be. Other factors should be respected and kept in mind. Tactics such as modifying games and practices may help reduce the number of sports injuries in children.  

These small adjustments often have a large impact in keeping the pediatric population safe from sports injuries. If your child is struggling with overuse injuries, it may be worth reviewing changes in their program that could be affecting them.

If you have questions or concerns about an injury your child may have, contact your local SetPT to help keep their health on track. 

Note: The information in this series originally appeared in “Injuries in the Pediatric Athlete: Etiology and Strategies for Prevention,” which Chana Frommer co-authored.