Adolescent sports injuries are common among young athletes, often resulting from overuse, poor technique, or sudden trauma. These injuries can lead to pain, swelling, and limited mobility and may have long-term implications for the child’s physical development and their ability or desire to participate in sports. Dr. Gelber offers cutting-edge solutions to address adolescent sports injuries and help young athletes implement techniques to avoid injuries.
What Are Adolescent Sports Injuries?
Adolescent sports injuries cover a range of physical setbacks affecting young athletes. These injuries typically arise due to factors like overexertion, improper training techniques, or sudden accidents during sports activities. Sports injuries can manifest in several forms, such as sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations. Not only do adolescent sports injuries hinder immediate performance, but they also pose risks to long-term physical development. As such, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to facilitate recovery.
Common Symptoms of Adolescent Sports Injuries:
- Persistent or sharp pain localized to a specific area
- Visible or palpable swelling, indicating inflammation and tissue damage
- Difficulty moving a joint or limb through its full range of motion
- Decreased muscle strength, hindering performance and stability
- Discoloration of the skin due to broken blood vessels near the injury site
- Increased sensitivity to touch or pressure at the injured area
- Feeling unsteady or unable to support body weight on the injured limb
- Sensations of numbness, pins and needles, or burning near the injury site
- Audible pops or cracks heard or felt at the moment of injury
- Changes in walking or running patterns due to injury-related discomfort
Treatment Options for Adolescent Sports Injuries
If you or someone you know is suffering from sports injuries, please seek prompt medical attention from Dr. Gelber. He will start with a thorough physical examination, assessing the injured area’s range of motion, strength, and tenderness. Imaging studies like X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds may be ordered to visualize internal structures. After diagnosing the root cause, Dr. Gelber will curate a personalized treatment plan.
Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine involves innovative treatments that stimulate healing within the body. PRP injections involve drawing a small sample of your blood, processing it to concentrate platelets, and then injecting it into the injured area. This platelet-rich solution accelerates tissue repair. Meanwhile, stem cell injections involve introducing stem cells from your body or a donor to promote tissue regeneration and repair damaged structures.
Functional & Integrative Medicine
Dr. Gelber may recommend functional and integrative medicine approaches to address the root causes of your injury. This holistic approach considers factors like nutrition, sleep, and stress management. Customized exercise programs and physical therapy can help restore strength, flexibility, and proper biomechanics, reducing the risk of future injuries. Dr. Gelber helps the young athlete return to peak performance while minimizing the risk of re-injuries.
Last Resort: Arthroscopic Surgery
In cases where conservative treatments aren’t effective, arthroscopic surgery may be considered as a last resort. This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a tiny camera and surgical instruments through small incisions to repair damaged tissues, such as ligaments or cartilage. Dr. Gelber will thoroughly discuss the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes with you before proceeding and only recommend surgery as a last resort.
Potential Causes of Adolescent Sports Injuries:
- Repeated stress on muscles, tendons, and bones from excessive training
- Incorrect form or improper biomechanics during activities
- Acute injuries resulting from collisions, falls, or accidents
- Muscle imbalances caused by rapid growth
- Skipping warm-up exercises before sporting activities
- Not allowing adequate time for recovery between strenuous activities
- Wearing ill-fitting or worn-out sports gear
- Playing on uneven or slippery surfaces
- Lapses in concentration during sports due to stress or mental fatigue
Consult Dr. Gelber Today
Dr. Jonathan Gelber is our board-certified surgeon in orthopedics with extensive fellowship training in sports medicine. As a lifelong athlete and a father of four, he intimately understands the passion and challenges of being an athlete. He leverages his expertise to facilitate your return to an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Don’t let a sports injury hold you back from an active life; schedule a consultation to reclaim optimal mobility and achieve peak performance.