Young athletes don’t like to sit out. They may be eager to push through discomfort, which can make it hard for parents to know when an injury is truly minor or when it needs a closer look.
Whether it is soccer, football, gymnastics, or a pickup game with friends, sports injuries are common in kids and teens. Here’s helpful guidance to understand what to watch for and when to seek care.
Common Sports Injuries in Kids and Teens
Active kids and teens can pick up a variety of injuries during practice or play. Some of the most frequent include:
- Sprains from twisted ankles or knees
- Strains from overstretched muscles
- Joint pain, especially in knees, elbows, and shoulders
- Minor cuts from collisions or falls
- Bruises from contact or impact
- Possible fractures from a hard fall or direct hit
- Overuse pain that builds up gradually from repetitive motion
Some of these injuries are obvious right away, while others, like overuse pain, tend to creep in slowly over days or weeks of training.
When to Visit KidsStreet for a Sports Injury
Many sports injuries can be evaluated at urgent care rather than the emergency room. It’s a good idea to bring your child to KidsStreet if you notice:
- Pain along with swelling
- Trouble walking or bearing weight
- Limited range of motion in a joint
- An injury that happened during a game or practice and does not seem to be improving
- Any symptoms that linger longer than expected
Our team provides thorough, reliable urgent care for kids, so young athletes can be evaluated by a medical provider and families can understand the next step.
When to Go to the ER
Most sports injuries are minor, but some sports injuries need emergency evaluation instead of urgent care.
Go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1 if your child experiences:
- Symptoms of a serious head injury, such as loss of consciousness, confusion, or repeated vomiting
- A severe deformity, such as a limb that looks visibly out of place
- Major trauma from a hard collision or fall
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Any other severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
If something about the injury feels serious, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek emergency care right away.
Helping Your Child Return Safely
Your child may want to get back into the game right away. But, getting back in the game too soon after an injury can sometimes make things worse or lead to a longer recovery overall.
Once your child has been evaluated, it’s important to follow the provider’s guidance on rest, activity restrictions, and any follow up care. Even if your young athlete is eager to return to practice, giving the body enough time to heal helps prevent setbacks and keeps them healthier in the long run. (No matter how much they complain!)
Visit KidsStreet for Sports Injury Care
From weekend games to school practices, sports injuries are bound to happen. When they do, KidsStreet is ready to help your child get back on their feet with care they can trust.
KidsStreet is open late 7 days a week!
Register online to save your spot in line. Online registration is not an appointment, but it can help reduce in-clinic wait times by adding you to the queue before you arrive.
For more help deciding when a visit is needed, our When to Take Your Child to Urgent Care: A Parent’s Guide walks through the signs every parent should know.