Whether it’s football under the lights, early morning cross-country runs or after-school soccer practice, young athletes are constantly giving it their all. The energy is high, the routines are set and the goals are clear…until something starts to hurt. It’s not always a dramatic fall or a big hit. Sometimes, the pain creeps in slowly. A sore knee that lingers. An ache in the shoulder that won’t go away. At BestMed Urgent Care, we constantly see athletes benched by the gradual wear and tear of overuse injuries.
While sports offer countless benefits for growing bodies and minds, they’re also the cause of many preventable clinic visits. Here’s how to recognize the signs of overuse, reduce risk and keep your athlete healthy and on the field all season long.
Overuse injuries occur when repetitive movements place too much strain on muscles, joints or bones without giving them time to rest and heal. Unlike sudden injuries, overuse injuries build gradually.
For example, young runners are prone to developing shin splints, a burning or stinging pain along the front of the lower leg. Others experience tendinitis in the knee, shoulder or ankle, with pain that flares during or after movement. Repeated impact can even lead to stress fractures, which often cause sharp, pinpoint pain that worsens with activity. For young children overuse injuries can disrupt normal growth and development if left untreated.
Athletes are often told to be tough and push through pain. But when it comes to overuse injuries, that mindset can lead to long-term problems. A sore knee today might become chronic tendinitis tomorrow. Pain is the body’s way of signaling that something is off. Ignoring it can turn a small issue into a season-ending condition.
If your child or teen has persistent or worsening pain, it’s time to get it checked out. Our skilled providers at BestMed Urgent Care can evaluate the injury and recommend rest or treatments like physical therapy to reduce pain and avoid more serious complications.
Parents and coaches play an influential role in keeping athletes healthy, not just by caring for injuries but by helping prevent them in the first place. Encouraging healthy habits and good communication can make all the difference.
1. Follow the 10% Rule: Athletes should not increase training intensity, distance or duration by more than 10% weekly to avoid overloading muscles and joints.
2. Cross-Train and Mix It Up: Encourage your athlete to try different activities during the week to avoid overuse of the same muscle groups.
3. Prioritize Rest Days: Having a day or two of rest per week gives the body time to heal and prevent burnout.
4. Warm Up and Cool Down: Athletes should always include warm up and stretching in their routine to help prevent injury and improve muscle recovery.
5. Watch for Warning Signs: If your child starts limping, complaining about joint pain or avoiding certain movements, don’t brush it off. Persistent pain, swelling or restricted range of motion deserves medical attention.
Fall sports are all about confidence, friendship and growth. With education, smart training habits and early intervention, your athlete can stay in the game and out of a doctor’s office or walk-in clinic.
Despite good prevention, injuries in athletes can still happen. If your child has symptoms like sharp pain, swelling that doesn’t go down, trouble bearing weight or loss of function, it’s time to visit a walk-in clinic. We offer prompt evaluations, X-rays and referrals to specialists if needed. Visit BestMed Urgent Care at the onset of discomfort to help your child recover safely so they can get back to doing what they love most.