Sports Injury Treatment for Children in Rockville, MD

There are a variety of sports injuries children can have happened to them when playing competitive sports or repetitive movements. These injuries can cause complications in the future if they do not heal properly, the most seen sports injuries include:

• Sprains
• Strains
• Knee injuries
• Swollen muscles
• Achilles’ tendon rupture
• Fractures
• Dislocations
• Rotator cuff injury

Different injuries will produce different injury symptoms, as well as complications. The most common sports injuries that happen to children include:

• Sprains
Sprains occur when you overstretch or tear a ligament in your body.

• Strains
Strains occur when you overstretch or tear the muscles or tendons.

• Knee injuries
Knee injuries often interfere with how the knee joint moves. It can range from an overstretch to a tear in the muscles or the tissues in the knee.

• Swollen muscles
Swelling is a natural reaction that occurs when you have an injury. The swollen muscles may also become painful and weak.

• Achilles’ tendon rupture
Sometimes during sports, the Achilles’ tendon can break or rupture, causing sudden and severe pain and may be difficult to walk.

• Fractures
Fractures are also known as broken bones.

• Dislocations
Too often we see dislocations from sports injuries. When this occurs, the bone is forced out of its socket, which can be painful and lead to swelling and weakness.

• Rotator cuff injury
The rotator cuff works as four pieces of muscle together and keeps the shoulder moving in all directions. A tear in any of the muscles can then weaken the rotator cuff.

Usually, with most injuries, the sports treatment may be the same, the main treatment often used with sports injuries is the RICE method, which stands for:

• Rest
• Ice
• Compression
• Elevation

This treatment is helpful for mild sports injuries. As well, taking anti-inflammatories and pain relievers can help with swelling and the pain of the injury, make sure to talk to your child’s doctor about the medications they can take for their sports injury.

If your sports injury is on the severe side, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible, or visit emergency care if:

• Severe swelling and pain
• Visible lumps, bumps, or other deformities
• Popping and/or crunching sounds
• Weakness or the inability to put weight on the limb
• Instability
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Fever

Children are joining sports much earlier than in previous generations, and due to this, sports injuries in children are becoming more common. With young athletes still growing, they are now at a greater risk for sports injuries than adults are, and they also suffer greater consequences as sports injuries can disrupt their growth, development, or bad habits and future health problems.

The most common injuries in children are:

• Jumpers Knee
Notice tenderness in the knee or the upper shin area from repeatedly pulled tendons causing inflammation and pain.

• Little Leaguer’s Elbow or Shoulder
Pain in the elbow or shoulder area occurs with repetitive overhead throwing maneuvers that can damage the growth plates and cause inflammation in the bones in the arm.

• Osteochondritis dissecans
Knee pain and swelling occur when a piece of the cartilage in the knee joint separates from the joint surface.

• Sever’s disease
Heel pain also occurs with limping, this happens from repetitive running or jumping activities which can cause the Achilles tendon to pull on the heel bone.

• Shin splints
Pain and tenderness are felt in the shin area, this mostly occurs from excessive running or running on hard surfaces like concrete.

• Spondylolysis
Back pain is caused by excessive flexion and extension in the lower back. It is commonly seen in children that are football linemen, gymnasts, and ice skaters.

Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, DO, ensures safe recovery from sports injuries in children by providing a thorough evaluation of the injury and developing a personalized treatment plan. With over 21 years of experience, Dr. Olisemeka utilizes his expertise to assess the severity of the injury, whether it’s a sprain, strain, fracture, or concussion, ensuring that each child receives the most appropriate care for their condition. His approach includes clear communication with both the child and their family to explain the injury, treatment options, and expected recovery timeline.

Dr. Olisemeka focuses on a comprehensive recovery process that includes rest, rehabilitation, and gradual return to sports, helping prevent future injuries. He closely monitors the child’s progress, adjusting the treatment plan as necessary, to ensure a safe and effective recovery. With his compassionate and attentive care, Dr. Olisemeka provides peace of mind to parents, knowing that their child is in capable hands for a full recovery and safe return to athletic activities.

Contact us today for more information. Our urgent care is conveniently located at15215 Shady Grove Rd., Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850. We serve patients from Rockville MD, Gaithersburg MD, Darnestown MD, Potomac, MD and Travilah, MD, and surrounding areas.