As a parent, it can be hard to know when to push your child in sports—and when it’s time to slow things down. We all want to help our kids improve, stay active, and enjoy the game. But what happens when pain becomes part of the picture?
One of the most common reasons for pain in youth athletes is something called an overuse injury, and it’s not always easy to spot.
Let’s break it down
Kids Aren’t Just Small Adults
Your child’s body is still growing, and that means it works differently than an adult’s. One major difference? Growth plates.
Growth plates are soft areas at the ends of long bones, made of cartilage. They’re where bones grow in length. But they’re also 5 times weaker than adult bone, muscle, or ligaments. That
Two Common Types of Overuse Injuries
Overuse injuries in youth athletes often happen at or near growth plates. These are often called apophysitis and come in two types:
1. Traction Injuries These happen where muscles pull on bones. Since the muscle is stronger than the growth plate, it can cause irritation or damage. These are common in:
2. Compression Injuries These occur when pressure or force is sent directly into a bone. Common areas include:
How to Spot an Overuse Injury
Unlike sprains or fractures, these injuries don’t usually come from one big event. Instead, they build up over time. Here are some signs to watch for:
Pain they can point to with one finger, especially near the end of a bone
Pain that’s lasted more than 4 weeks
Bone growth or shape that looks different compared to the other side (this isn’t swelling, but a bony bump or enlargement)
They’ve had or are currently going through a recent growth spurt
If any of these signs show up, it’s time to take a step back. Let your child rest and have them checked by a healthcare professional with experience in sports injuries. (like us, here at Ascent Health and Sport Therapy!) Treatment will be based on decreasing stress at the growth plate, managing inflammation, and helping your athlete get back to 100% activity. Recovery can take anywhere from 6 to 16 weeks. That might sound like a long time, but it’s worth it to protect your athlete’s future
Why Catching It Early Matters
If overuse injuries are left untreated, they can cause serious damage. The growth plate can close too early, or in some cases, the bone can actually be pulled away—this is called an avulsion fracture.
The good news? Once the growth plate closes (usually in the late teens), these injuries almost always go away for good.
Final Thoughts for Parents
Kids’ bodies are still developing. That means they need a different kind of care than adult athletes do. Watch for pain that sticks around, especially during growth spurts or after lots of repetitive movement. If something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t.
Support your child’s long-term health by encouraging variety, rest, and good communication. Their best seasons are still ahead.