Youth sports provide children with several benefits, some of which include exercise, the chance to socialize with friends, and the opportunity to learn teamwork and discipline. However, sports also come with injuries, both the obvious, like broken bones, and the less obvious, like tendonitis. 

In hopes of achieving their dreams, children may push themselves or feel pressured to play sports at competitive levels at a young age, typically choosing multiple sports to participate in. As one sports season ends, another one begins, and for some children, their season never ends as camps, leagues, and competitions continue year-round. This does not allow time for a child's growing body to rest and recuperate, resulting in more chronic overuse injuries among children.

“Twenty years ago, children were not playing sports at such intense levels,” explains Dr. Nina Winans, fellowship-trained sports medicine specialist at Tahoe Forest Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. “As a result, their bones, joints, and muscles rarely had to endure the kinds of repeated twists and hard hits that young players regularly experience today.”

That’s why it’s important for children to rest between sports. This not only gives them a break mentally and physically, but it also allows their bodies to recuperate. Without rest, they may be more likely to experience overuse injuries in the future. Additionally, if your child does suffer an injury, it's important to treat it appropriately from the beginning to help them return to play safely. 

If an injury is keeping your son or daughter off the playing field or court, call our sports medicine specialists at Tahoe Forest Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at (530) 587-7461 or make an appointment request.