Staying In The Game
Carolina Parent|September 2018

Rest resolves most youth sports injuries, but specialization can lead to surgery

Kurt Dusterberg
Staying In The Game

If you have a child who excels at a favorite sport, you’ve probably found yourself caught up in the busy world of travel and club sports — high-level teams designed to maximize performance and exposure for your budding star athlete.

Before you know it, your son or daughter is playing for multiple teams, traveling to tournaments, practicing constantly and even taking private lessons. For many families, the end game is to land a college athletic scholarship. But, oftentimes, injuries are the more likely outcome — at least in the short term.

With increased specialized sports participation comes the likelihood of overuse injuries, and the cause is obvious to orthopedic doctors. Many kids today “specialize” in one sport, rather than play a variety of sports in different seasons. As a result, these athletes stress their growing bodies in the same joints and muscles without enough downtime. The good news is that most injuries to young athletes are easily treated with rest.

ALL YOU NEED IS … REST

Dr. William Hage, M.D., specializes in arthroscopic treatments for knee and shoulder injuries at EmergeOrtho, which has multiple locations throughout the Triangle. He estimates that 90 percent of the injuries he treats are sports-specific. Baseball players usually suffer from shoulder and elbow pain in the throwing arm, while soccer players often deal with inflammation around the knee and heel.

This story is from the September 2018 edition of Carolina Parent.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 2018 edition of Carolina Parent.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM CAROLINA PARENTView All
Helping Children Handle The Strongest Of Feelings
Carolina Parent

Helping Children Handle The Strongest Of Feelings

Helping children handle the strongest of feelings

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2019
7 Tips For Safe Holiday Online Shopping
Carolina Parent

7 Tips For Safe Holiday Online Shopping

7 Tips for safe holiday online shopping

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2019
The Joy Of Letters
Carolina Parent

The Joy Of Letters

I wish that joy could fill every moment of Jessie’s life, but children, like their parents, must overcome diffiulties. Two major challenges Jessie has faced in her young life come to mind.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2019
Smart Speakers: Smart Choice?
Carolina Parent

Smart Speakers: Smart Choice?

Weighing the pros and cons of welcoming Alexa or Google Assistant into your home

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2019
Helping Children Through Winter Holiday Routine Changes
Carolina Parent

Helping Children Through Winter Holiday Routine Changes

The festivities leading up to and during the winter holidays can bring about many changes and disruptions to a family’s routine. Some children take these changes in stride, while others may need extra support to manage the excitement of the season.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2019
5 Ways To Address A Bad Grade On Your College Application
Carolina Parent

5 Ways To Address A Bad Grade On Your College Application

“Bad” can be a very relative term, particularly when attached to high school grades.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2019
Bright Lights In Beaufort
Carolina Parent

Bright Lights In Beaufort

Historic homes adorned with red velvet bows, forest green garland wrapped around iconic Southern porches, and lights twinkling through windows are hallmarks of small-town holiday charm. Beaufort, named one of North Carolina’s

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2019
Modern Midwifery
Carolina Parent

Modern Midwifery

This traditional birthing option has evolved to meet the needs of today’s pregnant moms

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2019
Pumpkin Patches, Hayrides And Ghostly Gatherings
Carolina Parent

Pumpkin Patches, Hayrides And Ghostly Gatherings

Autumn is a glorious season in the Triangle. Visit a local farm to hop on a hayride, sip apple cider and find your way out of corn maze. Scare yourself silly in one of the area’s celebrated haunted houses, or venture down a dark trail to greet the undead. Explore our vast selection of fall offerings, from tame experiences to frightful festivities. Events requiring a fee, ticket or donation are marked with an asterisk. Check the daily calendar section for more seasonal fun.

time-read
10+ mins  |
October 2019
Hiking As A Family Benefits All Ages
Carolina Parent

Hiking As A Family Benefits All Ages

Hiking as a family benefits all ages.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2019