Youth sports offer tremendous physical and mental health benefits, but they also come with the risk of injury. 

Each year, over 3.5 million children in the United States receive treatment for sports-related injuries. Common issues include sprained ankles, fractures, concussions, torn ligaments, and even dental injuries, according to Dr. Tiana Woolridge, a sports medicine fellow at UCLA and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness.

Understanding Sports Injuries in Children

Despite their youth and vitality, children are not immune to the physical strain that sports can place on their bodies. In fact, young athletes are often more susceptible to injuries because their bodies are still developing. Dr. Woolridge explains that repetitive motions, such as those involved in baseball, can lead to overuse injuries, affecting muscles, tendons, and nerves.

"Injury risks arise when kids push their growing bodies too hard or neglect proper form and equipment," Woolridge said in an AAP news release.

The Importance of Protective Gear

Many sports injuries result from the improper use—or complete absence—of protective gear. Helmets, mouth guards, and eye protection are essential, yet they are sometimes overlooked. Without these precautions, children are at higher risk of concussions, dental damage, and eye injuries. Woolridge stresses that brain injuries can occur when helmets aren’t fitted correctly or left unused, while dental injuries, such as chipped or knocked-out teeth, can happen without mouth guards. In some sports, failing to wear protective eyewear can increase the risk of eye injuries.

As youth sports continue to grow in popularity, it's crucial for parents, coaches, and young athletes themselves to stay informed about injury prevention to ensure long-term health and safety.