Pediatric Sports Medicine in Fort Mill, SC

Pediatric Injuries Caused By Overuse

Many serious athletes begin their careers at a young age. Over time, this constant strain and pressure on the body can lead to injury that is simply caused by progressive overuse. A large number of these cases affect the body's joints since joints are the first line of defense for the body to absorb a hard blow or landing.

If resting the area does not provide significant relief from painful symptoms, it may be time to consult a specialist for further treatment. Parents should also advise their children to prevent overuse injuries, using techniques such as:

• Take at least 1 day per week to rest
• Engage in varying activities rather than focusing on only one
• Gradually work up to intense exercises or sports
• Focus on overall wellness that includes physical, mental, and emotional health components
• Complete thorough physical examinations from SpecOrtho to be cleared for continued activity, as needed

Common Knee Injuries in Pediatric Athletes

ACL Tears

Another extremely common injury for athletes, young and old, is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. Thanks to modern medicine, even the smallest tears in this ligament can be detected with diagnostic imaging. Our providers can now treat this condition using minimally invasive techniques like arthroscopy. Repair of pediatric ACL tears requires different techniques than those used for patients whose growth plates have closed. Dr. Feltham has specialized training and experience in pediatric ACL repairs, including training with a pioneer in pediatric sports medicine, Dr. Ted Ganley, at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Osteochondritis (OCD) of the Knee

OCD can affect various joints in the body. When OCD occurs in the knee, it causes the bone beneath the cartilage to die from a lack of sufficient blood flow. Dead bone can break into fragments that float around the knee, causing pain in the rest of the joint and nearby tissues. These fragments need to be surgically removed unless OCD is caught early enough to be repaired. OCD can occasionally heal on its own if the patient is young and fragmentation has not occurred. Our specialists have had specific training and experience in treating this condition. Dr. Feltham has trained with renowned pediatric sports medicine surgeon Dr. Theodore Ganley at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Meniscus Tear

The knee can also be compromised by a meniscus injury or tear, the crescent-shaped disc of cartilage located between the bones of the knee. When the meniscus is torn, the knee can become swollen, stiff, or locked. Depending on the tear's severity, treatment can range from rest and icing to surgical repair. Some people are born with a larger-than-normal meniscus, which makes it more prone to tears; this is called a discoid meniscus.

Joint Instability and Overuse Injuries in Young Athletes

Patellar Instability

Patellar instability, also known as kneecap instability, occurs when the kneecap becomes partially or fully dislodged from its proper position. This condition is often associated with symptoms that include:

• Swelling
• Trouble walking
• A visual deformity of the knee
• Buckling and/or locking of the knee
• Stiffness
• Pain

This injury can often be treated with bracing and physical therapy, with follow-up checkups with our orthopedic surgeon. Occasionally, surgery is required.

Shoulder Instability

Children can also experience symptoms from shoulder instability, which is likely to affect young athletes who play baseball, softball, volleyball, and other activities that require frequent overhead motions.

Treatment for shoulder instability typically starts with rest and physical therapy exercises. If these methods don't work, surgery may be needed to repair the shoulder fully.

Thrower's Elbow

Another condition commonly seen in baseball or softball players, thrower's elbow affects both the inside and outside components of the elbow joint. This inflammatory condition can be managed with mild treatments like rest and regular icing to reduce swelling. If the individual continues to aggravate their thrower's elbow, the growth plate and its development may become compromised. If the condition doesn't improve, you should schedule an appointment with a SpecOrtho specialist.