Overuse Injuries in Young Athletes: Recognising, Preventing, and Managing the Risks
- Josefina Cánepa Bustos
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
The Rise of Overuse Injuries in Youth Sports
In today's sports-driven world, young athletes are training harder and competing more than ever before. While this dedication is admirable, it comes with a hidden danger: overuse injuries. Unlike acute injuries from a single impact, overuse injuries develop over time due to repetitive stress on growing bones, muscles, and joints. Without proper care, they can sideline young athletes for months and even impact their long-term physical health.
Why Are Young Athletes More Vulnerable?
Children and adolescents are not just smaller adults—their musculoskeletal systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to certain types of injuries. Growth plates, the soft areas at the ends of bones where growth occurs, are particularly at risk. Excessive strain from repetitive activities can lead to conditions that cause significant pain and limitations in young athletes.
Common Overuse Injuries in Young Athletes
Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Affects the knee, specifically the tibial tuberosity (right under the kneecap).
Common in sports with frequent jumping and sprinting (e.g., soccer, basketball)
Symptoms: Pain and swelling just below the kneecap, worsening with activity
Management: Activity modification, stretching, strengthening, and physiotherapy
Gymnast’s Wrist
Overuse injury affecting the distal growth plate of the radius
Common in young gymnasts due to repetitive weight-bearing on the hands
Symptoms: Wrist pain during tumbling, handstands, or push-ups
Management: Avoiding high-impact activities, physiotherapy, and strength training
Sever’s Disease
Affects the heel, caused by inflammation of the Achilles tendon insertion on the calcaneus
Common in running and jumping sports
Symptoms: Heel pain that worsens with activity, especially after training sessions
Management: Rest, ice, heel pads, and gradual return to sport
Spondylolysis (Stress Fracture of the Spine)
Repetitive hyperextension of the lower back (common in gymnastics, football, and cricket)
Symptoms: Lower back pain that worsens with extension movements
Management: Core strengthening, postural education, and temporary sport restriction
Prevention: The Key to Longevity in Sports
Preventing overuse injuries is far better than treating them. Coaches, parents, and young athletes should prioritize these strategies:
Avoid early sport specialisation: it has been proved that early sport specialisation is not related to more success in adulthood, on the contrary, it produces lower health, and more burnout and drop out of sports.
Gradual Progression: Avoid sudden increases in training intensity, duration, or frequency.
Rest and Recovery: Ensure adequate rest between practices and off-seasons to allow the body to recover. At least 2 days of the week for children.
Training Balance and planning: Emphasise good movement patterns and avoid training more hours per week than age in years (e.g. your 9 year old son/daughter, should not train the same sport more than 9 hours per week).
Strength & Flexibility Training: Incorporate exercises that enhance muscle balance and reduce stress on growing joints.
Listen to Pain: Pain is not just “part of the game” – it's the body's way of signaling potential injury.
Seeking Professional Help
If a young athlete experiences persistent pain or discomfort that doesn't improve with rest, consulting a sports physiotherapist is essential. Early intervention can prevent small issues from becoming long-term setbacks. At Physio K, our team of experienced professionals is here to guide young athletes toward a safe and strong recovery, helping them stay active and perform at their best.
Final Thoughts
Sports should be a source of joy, growth, and lifelong health, not pain and injury. By understanding and addressing overuse injuries early, young athletes can continue doing what they love—stronger, healthier, and with greater resilience. If you have concerns about your child's training regimen or injury risks, a physiotherapy assessment can provide the guidance needed for safe and sustainable athletic development.
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