Sports injuries in children
The most common sports injuries in children are acute injuries such as sprains, fractures (broken bone), concussion and lacerations (cuts).
A sprain is a twisting of the ligaments resulting in significant swelling, bruising and in some cases unable to weight bear, sprains can be caused through sport, ie football, rubgy, basketball, hockey, netball.
Overuse injuries such as growth plate issues, tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons) and stress fractures.
Because children have an immature skeleton, they are more prone to growth plate injures. Top risks include ankle sprains, knee issues (ACL/meniscus) and specific injuries like Little League Elbow (seen more in 8-15 yr olds).
Common Causes by Activity
Cycling & Skating:
Head injuries, fractures, and abrasions.
Football & Soccer:
Concussions, knee ligament tears, sprains to knees, ankles, wrists, fingers, in some cases fracture (broken bone) to the ankle
Gymnastics/Trampolines:
Wrist/arm/leg fractures, sprains to knees, ankles, wrists, fingers
Common Acute Sports Injuries in Children
Sprains and strains:
Sprains are due to stretched or torn ligaments
Ankle sprains are among the most common and can result in a child not being able to weight bear, with acute bruising and swelling
Fractures:
More often seen following an aggressive tackle in football, falls whilst skating, trampolining, climbing and falling from a height.
This is a type of traumatic brain injury following a blow to the head or body, this is common in both contact (football), rugby), and non-contact (gymnastics) sports.
This is damage to the developing cartilage which are at the ends of long bones, it can impact future bone growth.
Growth plate injuries occur as a result of acute trauma from a fall, sporting activity such as an aggressive tackle in football or rugby, as well as chronic overuse
Dislocations in sports injuries are caused through sudden force forcing the joint to come out of its socket thus tearing surrounding , caused through falls especially if the hand/arms are out stretched
Contusions are bruises from impact. Very common in sports injuries
Common Overuse/Repetitive Motion Injuries
Knee pain caused by irritation of the growth plate at the top of the shinbone.
Heel pain in active children, typically caused by inflammation of the growth plate.
Overuse injuries, common in young baseball pitchers.
Pain in the lower legs due to repetitive stress. involving repetitive jumping, running, and pivoting—such as gymnastics, basketball, football, track and field, and ballet
Risk Factors for Children
Growth Plates:
These are weaker than ligaments and tendons, making them vulnerable to damage.
Physical Imbalance:
A higher surface-area-to-mass ratio and disproportionately larger heads.
Technique:
Poor form or overtraining
At Taylor Grey, we can manage sports injuries for both children and adults. We do not treat complex trauma. If you have had a high energy injury we advise that you go straight to your nearest AE department, however should you arrive at the clinic the team would do their utmost to control your pain and refer you to the appropriate team.
How can we do this?
Xray on site
Skilled clinicians trained and have worked in the Emergency Department and are able to X-ray, apply back slab, clean and close open wounds.
Referral to orthopaedic team if follow up is required
Coming very soon, ultra sound scan – this assists our clinicians in giving a formal diagnosis for injuries such as ACL tear to the knee, meniscus tear (cartlidge in the knee) common sports injuries
We are able to provide walking boot, slings, splints for wrists and thumb, supports for those who have had a sprain. We are also able to give analgesia for pain.
The difference between fibre glass and plaster of paris
Fibre glass is lighter than plaster of paris (POP)
Because it is lighter, it is less likely to cause any issues especially in children
Both set very hard, but fibre glass has a neater finish that plaster
Easier to apply with minimal mess