Sports medicine in children: common overuse injuries

With millions of children participating in high-intensity sports activities at a young age, overuse injuries are seen commonly by family physicians. Little Leaguer's shoulder, swimmer's shoulder, Little Leaguer's elbow, snapping hip, and shin splints are 5 overuse injuries frequently sustained by pediatric athletes. Physicians managing these injuries require a basic understanding of the underlying sport-related strain on the body. Diagnosis is clinical for most patients, and management typically is conservative. The physician must be able to differentiate these conditions from more significant injuries that necessitate further imaging and referral. For most patients, monitoring and limiting the repetitive activity can prevent the occurrence of these injuries.