What is an overuse injury, and how can teen athletes prevent it?

While your teen athletes are giving their all on the field, they are also increasingly at risk of overuse injuries. When athletes repeat motions, the joints and surrounding tendons and muscles involved can become irritated and inflamed, and even damage their growth plate.

However, several steps can be taken to keep athletes safe. Keep your teens in the game by applying some of these prevention pointers:

• Warm athletes up properly before practice or game.

• Give athletes at least one day off from organized activity each week.

• Be sure athletes wear properly fitting equipment and gear.

• Increase training gradually following the offseason.

To learn about specific overuse injury types, symptoms to look out for, and treatments, visit choa.org/overuseinjury.

This content is general information and is not specific medical advice. Always consult with a doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about the health of a child. In case of an urgent concern or emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away.