SPORTS MEDICINE DOCTORS
For the treatment of sports-related injuries, bring your child to the Fracture Care Clinic at one of our five convenient locations. Our Pediatric Orthopedic Physicians will see your child right away.
Our pediatric physicians specialize in the treatment of all types of sports injuries,
which are becoming more common in children.
As Sports Medicine Doctors, We See Children with Sports Injuries that Range from Mild to Severe.
Young athletes often begin their competitive sports careers as early as age four. As they get older, these kids get involved in organized sports activities. Sports provide a great way for kids to learn teamwork and what healthy competition is all about. However, with all sports, there can be injuries. For example, when the activity level becomes too intense or too excessive in a short time period, the tissue breaks down, muscles get strained, and sometimes bones even break.
Our doctors at Medical Center Children’s Orthopedic and Spine Specialists are seeing an increased number of children with sports injuries. As an example, sports injuries such as stress fractures, tendinitis, bursitis, apophysitis, and osteochondral injuries of the joint surface are definitely on the increase in organized sports.
Risk Factors for Sports Injuries
Several factors increase the likelihood of injury in young athletes:
- Sport Specialization at a Young Age: Focusing on a single sport year-round can overstress specific muscle groups and joints.
- Strength or Flexibility Imbalances: Uneven muscle development or limited joint mobility heightens injury risk.
- Anatomic Malalignment: Conditions like flat feet or knock knees can alter biomechanics and strain tissues.
- Improper Footwear or Gear: Ill-fitting shoes or inadequate protective equipment fail to support growing bodies.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Past injuries or undiagnosed issues can predispose athletes to further harm.
- Growth Cartilage Vulnerability: Repetitive microtrauma during growth spurts can damage developing tissues.
- Intense Training During Growth: Overtraining during periods of rapid physical change overwhelms the body’s ability to recover.
How do I know if my child has a broken bone?
“If you feel your child may have a broken bone, be sure to bring him or her to a Medical City Children’s Orthopedic and Spine Specialists so one of our pediatric orthopedic specialists can provide a comprehensive diagnosis. It’s often hard to diagnose a broken bone without an X-ray exam and a medical exam.” Shyam Kishan, MD. “That’s why we have an X-ray located in our office.
“The single biggest factor contributing to the dramatic increase in overuse injuries in young athletes is the focus on more intense, repetitive, and specialized training at much younger ages.”
The Vital Role of Sports Medicine Doctors in Treating Young Athletes
Sports are a cornerstone of childhood development, offering young athletes as early as age four the chance to build physical skills, learn teamwork, and embrace healthy competition. As these children grow and engage in organized sports—whether it’s soccer, basketball, gymnastics, or football—the intensity and frequency of their activities often increase. While sports provide immense benefits, they also come with risks. Injuries, ranging from minor sprains to severe fractures, are an unfortunate reality, particularly as young athletes push their growing bodies to new limits.
At Medical City Children’s Orthopedic and Spine Specialists, our board-certified pediatric sports medicine doctors have observed a marked rise in sports-related injuries among children. Conditions such as stress fractures, tendinitis, bursitis, apophysitis (inflammation of growth plates), and osteochondral injuries (damage to cartilage and underlying bone) are becoming more common in organized sports. This trend underscores the critical need for specialized care tailored to the unique physiology of young athletes. In this article, we’ll explore the role of sports medicine doctors, the risks young athletes face, prevention strategies, and when to seek expert care.
Understanding Sports Injuries in Children
Children’s bodies are not simply smaller versions of adult bodies—they are dynamic systems undergoing rapid growth and development. This makes them particularly vulnerable to certain types of injuries. When activity levels become too intense or increase too quickly, tissues can break down, muscles strain, and bones—still maturing—may even fracture. Unlike adults, children have growth plates (areas of developing cartilage at the ends of long bones), which are weaker than surrounding ligaments and tendons and less resistant to repetitive stress. This vulnerability contributes to the rising incidence of overuse injuries in young athletes.
Common Sports Injuries in Young Athletes
- Stress Fractures: Tiny cracks in bones caused by repetitive force, often seen in the legs or feet.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of tendons due to overuse, common in the knees (patellar tendinitis) or elbows (tennis elbow).
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints, often affecting the shoulder or hip.
- Apophysitis: Irritation of growth plates, such as Sever’s disease (heel) or Osgood-Schlatter disease (knee).
- Osteochondral Injuries: Damage to the cartilage and bone in joints, frequently occurring in the ankle or knee.
The Role of Pediatric Sports Medicine Doctors
When a young athlete suffers an injury, timely and expert evaluation is essential. At Medical City Children’s Orthopedic and Spine Specialists, our pediatric sports medicine doctors are uniquely trained to address the complexities of children’s growing bones, muscles, and joints. Unlike general practitioners or adult-focused orthopedists, our specialists understand how growth influences injury patterns and healing processes.
When to Seek Immediate Care
Certain injuries demand urgent attention from a board-certified pediatric sports medicine doctor:
- Visible swelling or deformity
- Loss of normal function (e.g., inability to move or bear weight)
- Severe pain that persists beyond the initial impact
For seemingly minor injuries, such as mild sprains or soreness, rest and observation may suffice. However, if pain lingers, worsens, or prevents full participation after a few days, a specialist evaluation is warranted. Untreated injuries can evolve into chronic conditions—such as persistent joint instability or arthritis—requiring extended recovery periods and potentially sidelining athletes for months.
Comprehensive Treatment Approaches
Our doctors prioritize conservative treatments whenever possible, including:
- Rest and activity modification
- Physical therapy to restore strength and flexibility
- Bracing or casting to support healing
- Pain management with safe, age-appropriate methods
When surgery is unavoidable—such as for severe fractures or ligament tears—our team ensures the child receives top-tier care. We often prepare young patients with pre-surgical conditioning to build endurance, minimizing hospital stays and accelerating recovery. Post-operative rehabilitation is tailored to the child’s age, sport, and goals, ensuring a safe return to play.
Preventing Sports Injuries: A Proactive Approach
Prevention is the first line of defense against sports injuries. Parents, coaches, and athletes can work together to reduce risks and promote long-term health. Here are evidence-based strategies to keep young athletes safe:
- Open Communication: Encourage your child to report discomfort or pain without fear of judgment. Early recognition is key.
- Preseason Physicals: A comprehensive exam can identify risk factors like muscle imbalances or underlying conditions.
- Balanced Nutrition: A diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein supports bone and muscle development.
- Cross-Training: Participating in multiple sports builds overall fitness and reduces repetitive strain on specific areas.
- Adequate Rest: Scheduled breaks between practices, games, and seasons allow the body to recover.
- Proper Equipment: Invest in well-fitted shoes, helmets, and padding—shortcuts compromise safety.
- Warm-Ups and Stretching: Dynamic warm-ups and flexibility exercises prepare muscles and joints for activity.
- Technique Training: Coaches should emphasize proper form to minimize stress in vulnerable areas.
When to See a Sports Medicine Doctor
Not every ache requires a doctor’s visit, but certain symptoms signal the need for expert care:
- Persistent pain during or after sports
- New or recurring swelling around a joint
- Joint instability (e.g., “giving way” during activity)
- Painful popping sounds (note: painless pops are typically normal)
- Pain unrelieved by rest or over-the-counter remedies
Ignoring these signs can delay healing and worsen outcomes. Our specialists use advanced diagnostics—such as X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasound—to pinpoint the problem and craft a personalized treatment plan.
Why Choose Medical City Children’s Orthopedic and Spine Specialists?
When your child needs a pediatric sports medicine doctor, our practice stands out for its expertise and accessibility. With five locations across Texas—Arlington, Dallas, Flower Mound, Frisco, and McKinney—we’re committed to serving families wherever they are. Our physicians specialize in children’s orthopedics and sports medicine, offering a deep understanding of how injuries affect growing bodies.
Urgent Care for Immediate Needs
We know injuries don’t wait, which is why at least one of our offices offers urgent care daily. Skip the long waits and high costs of the emergency room—our team provides prompt diagnosis and treatment, often on the same day. If the open urgent care office isn’t your closest location, don’t worry: visit us for initial care, then follow up at the office nearest you for ongoing support.
Parent-Centered Care
We think like parents because many of us are parents ourselves. Our goal is to get your child back to the activities they love—safely and swiftly. From on-the-spot evaluations to long-term rehabilitation, we partner with families every step of the way.
The Bigger Picture: Sports Medicine’s Impact
Beyond treating injuries, pediatric sports medicine doctors play a broader role in fostering healthy, active lifestyles. They educate families about safe training practices, advocate for balanced athletic development, and help young athletes build resilience. By addressing injuries early and effectively, these specialists ensure that sports remain a source of joy and growth, not pain and frustration.
Whether your child is a budding soccer star or a weekend warrior, their health is our priority. At Medical City Children’s Orthopedic and Spine Specialists, we’re here to keep them in the game—today and for years to come.
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Footnote:
Our Sports Medicine Doctors at Medical City Children’s Orthopedic and Spine Specialists have experience and expertise in the treatment of sports-related injuries in children. Our board-certified doctors specialize in the treatment of children and adolescents and can give your child the care and attention they deserve.
Call 214-556-0590 to make an appointment.
Comprehensive services for children from birth through adolescence at four convenient locations:
Arlington, Dallas, Frisco and McKinney.