When should an adolescent see a healthcare provider about a sports injury?

When should an adolescent see a healthcare provider about a sports injury?

Adolescent sports injuries are often minimized or dismissed, and the young athlete is encouraged to "toughen up and play through the pain." This approach is not in the young athlete's best interest for several reasons:

• It often leads to a delay in healing and return to sports.
• It can turn an easily treatable injury into one that becomes difficult to treat.
• In some cases, it can result in a serious injury that can keep the adolescent from returning to sports.

The number of adolescent sports injuries continues to rise. Knee swelling, pain, and loss of function are not normal, no matter what sport the adolescent is taking part in.

Not all serious knee injuries come about from major trauma. Injuries that appear minor can have serious consequences. When in doubt, seek expert medical advice. It's better to be safe than sorry.