Sports injuries are common year-round, and as spring high school sports seasons head into playoffs, athletes are especially concerned about injury. Did you know that in the US, for every 1,000 athletes that take part in a practice, competition, or game (each is referred to as an ‘athletic exposure’ or “AE” by the professionals who track this data), more than two get injured.
Nationally, this translates to more than 5.2 million sports injuries among high school athletes each year. Unsurprisingly, injury rates are consistently higher during competitions than practices.
Which sports have the highest injury rates?
Injury rates vary by sport, but the highest rates have been observed in:
- Football: 3.96 injuries per 1,000 AE
- Girls’ Soccer: 2.65 injuries per 1,000 AE
- Boys’ Wrestling: 2.36 injuries per 1,000 AE
Of these, girls’ soccer is the only spring high school sport in Colorado, and playoffs are going on now. But many athletes train year-round and/or participate in club seasons and can sustain injuries from overuse as well.
What are the most common injuries in high school athletes?
Every athlete is unique, and the type of sport they play, the intensity of training they maintain, and many other factors contribute to injury types, but here are a few of the most common:
- Sprains and Strains: Overstretching or tearing of ligaments and muscle.
- Fractures: Broken bones, often from falls or collision.
- Concussions: Traumatic brain injuries from impacts to the head.
- Overuse Injuries: Conditions like tendinitis from repetitive motion or over training.
How can teen athletes recover faster from injuries
Getting injured is hard for any athlete, but high school seasons are short, and competitive athletes often want to know what they can do to get back in the action as quickly as possible. Of course, every athlete’s situation is unique, and recovery times vary, but there are things you can do to support your recovery:
- Rest: to allow time for healing
- Ice: to reduce inflammation and pain
- Compression: to minimize swelling
- Elevation: by raising the injured area to decrease swelling
- Physical Therapy: to rehabilitate and strengthen the injured area
Your orthopedic or sports medicine specialist will help you create a structured recovery plan, along with realistic timelines for recovery. It’s important to get on the same page with your doctor to improve your outcomes and minimize the risk of reinjury. Coming back too soon or too aggressively can lead to reinjury or even sideline you for much longer than the original injury.
Can I continue playing while injured?
It depends on the nature and severity of the injury, as well as the sport and many other individual factors. Many athletes play through pain, but doing so can make a minor injury worse or extend their recovery time.
That’s why it’s crucial to consult with a sports medicine specialist who can provide a comprehensive exam and diagnosis, plus a realistic recovery plan. Continuing to play without proper evaluation can lead to chronic issues or more severe injury. Your doctor will help you evaluate your options and help you chart a path for both short- and long-term activity.
What sports medicine treatments are available for teens and high schoolers?
While many of the same treatments are available for teens that are used with adults, teen athletes can be impacted differently by injury, as their bodies are often not done growing. This puts teens at a higher risk for certain types of injuries, and treatment can be tailored to a teen’s individual needs. Treatment options often include:
- Customized physical therapy exercises
- Medication: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories
- Surgery: For severe injuries like ACL tears
- Bracing and support: To stabilize and protect injured areas
If your teen is injured or even suspects an injury, it’s a good idea to seek an evaluation and treatment early to minimize damage and reduce recovery time.
The team of sports medicine specialists at Orthopedic Centers of Colorado and Advanced Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists are dedicated to helping teen and high school athletes get back to the competition they love. Make an appointment today.
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More Sports Medicine FAQs
What is the most common injury in high school sports?
Sprains and strains are the most frequent, often resulting from overuse or improper technique.
How can I prevent sports injuries?
Proper warm-ups, strength training, and using correct techniques can reduce injury risk. It’s also important to build up strength and stamina overtime. If you haven’t been physically active during the off-season, be careful not to overdo it in the first week of practice or during tryouts.
Do I need to see a doctor or a sports medicine specialist for a minor injury?
It’s a good idea to have even minor injuries evaluated to get a clear understanding of the type and severity of the injury and make a treatment plan the reduces the change of further damage, and gets you back in action as soon as possible.
Do doctors handle teen injuries differently?
Yes, many teens are still growing and as their bones and muscles develop, their growth plates are more prone to injury, including growth plate fractures. Orthopedic and sports medicine specialists are trained to evaluate people of all ages and give special consideration to an athlete’s age, fitness level and many other individual factors.
Will my teen need surgery?
Not necessarily. Many sports injuries in teens respond well to physical therapy, rest, and sometimes bracing or injections. Surgery is often required for serious tears or fractures, but many orthopedic and sports medicine specialists seek conservative (non-surgical) treatment before recommending surgery.
How long will my teen be out of their sport?
It depends on the injury. Minor sprains might need a week or two. ACL tears require months of rehab. A sports medicine specialist will work closely with your teen and your family to establish a return-to-play timeline.
What are some of the most common injuries in high school sports?
– ACL and meniscus tears (especially in soccer, football, and basketball)
– Shoulder dislocations or rotator cuff strains (common in baseball/swimming)
– Ankle sprains and stress fractures
– Concussions (football, soccer, cheerleading)
What does a sports medicine doctor do for my student-athlete?
Sports medicine physicians specialize in diagnosing and treating injuries from physical activity—everything from sprains and growth plate issues to concussions and overuse injuries common in teens.
How do I know if my teen’s sports injury is serious?
If your teen has swelling, pain that lasts more than a few days, limited movement, or can’t put weight on it, it’s a good idea to see a sports medicine doctor so they can complete a full exam and diagnose the type and severity of the injury.
What’s the difference between soreness and an injury?
Muscle soreness usually improves in a few days. If pain persists, gets worse with activity, or affects movement, it could be an injury. It’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist.
