Jump in Kids' Sports Injuries Due to Overuse (HealthDay)

WEDNESDAY, March 10 (HealthDay News) -- Orthopedic surgeons warn

that sports injuries in children are rising dramatically, creating a

"silent epidemic."

But they add that awareness and early treatment can keep young athletes

from developing serious problems.

One expert scheduled to speak Wednesday at the annual meeting of the

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in New Orleans said injuries are

increasing because kids are playing sports year-round -- often without

seasonal breaks -- and being exposed to more athletic activity by playing

on more than one team at once.

"This increased exposure means there will continue to be growing

numbers of significant musculoskeletal injuries, both traumatic and

chronic overuse," said Dr. Thomas M. DeBerardino, an associate professor

of orthopedics at the University of Connecticut Health Center who

specializes in sports medicine.

But awareness and prevention can make a difference, he said. "Even

athletes at the college and pro levels have mandated downtimes. We cannot

wait for kids to reach the college level to modify their training, because

by that time it could be too late."

In another presentation, Dr. Theodore J. Ganley, director of sports

medicine at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, warned that young

gymnasts often develop osteochondritis dissecans injuries -- a softening

of bone underneath cartilage. But detection of warning signs can head off

severe trouble, he said in a news release from the academy.

Warning signs include persistent pain during activity, painful elbow

swelling, locking of the elbow joint and loss of motion.

"Early detection can allow for the option of non-operative treatments,

such as activity modification followed by physical therapy," Ganley said.

"This can promote complete healing and rehabilitation allowing the young

gymnast to fully return to his or her sport."

More information

The American Academy of Pediatrics has tips on sports injury prevention for kids.

Taken from here