Kids and parents alike are gearing up for the start of spring sports – soccer, baseball, softball, tennis, golf and track and field. The weather gets warmer, the days are longer and everyone is excited to get out of the house after a cold winter. However, it’s also a time when sports-related injuries can spike, especially among young athletes.

“A lot of the injuries we see in the spring are overuse injuries,” says Dr. William Didelot, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Tidelands Health Orthopedics. “Kids who haven’t been as active during the winter, or who’ve gone through a growth spurt, often dive right into their sport without proper preparation, increasing their risk of injury.”

Overuse injuries happen when a body part is used excessively and repeatedly. For instance, a softball or baseball pitcher may suffer an injury to his or her shoulder or elbow from throwing too many pitches and not getting enough rest in between games or practices.

“We see overuse injuries in athletes of every age,” Dr. Didelot says.

Here’s how to help avoid injuries:

Conditioning is a type of training that prepares athletes for the physical demands of their sport. It’s necessary regardless of sport or age. Conditioning can improve strength, flexibility and balance.

For a soccer player, conditioning might include strength training, agility drills and exercises that involve rapid, explosive movements, or plyometrics.

“If you tell me you’re going to run a mini marathon next week and you haven’t been training, you’re more likely going to get an overuse injury,” Dr. Didelot says.

If your child has gone through a growth spurt, he or she may be more prone to injuries.

“The muscle groups get a little bit tighter and weaker after this, and the athlete gets a little deconditioned in their muscles unless they’re doing continuous exercise,” Dr. Didelot says. “If they haven’t played any sports in the winter, they’re going to experience muscle and joint pain in this case.”

In these instances, Dr. Didelot recommends easing into the sport instead of starting at 100 percent the first day.

It’s natural for kids to push through discomfort, especially if they’re passionate about the sport, but doing so can lead to lasting damage.

“Every time you injure a muscle, it gets weaker,” Dr. Didelot says. “Continuing to play through the pain makes the muscle more vulnerable to reinjury.”

Kids may be less forthcoming about pain, but parents can keep an eye out for injuries by watching their child’s technique to see if it’s changed. This could look like your child limping while running, throwing differently or even rubbing the muscles during practice or games.

If you notice these changes, make an appointment with your child’s doctor for an assessment. Avoid play until the injury is addressed.

“Ignoring pain may lead to longer recovery times and could keep your child out of the game for an extended period,” Dr. Didelot says.

Children today often play sports year-round, especially those involved in travel teams, but overtraining can damage muscle groups and hinder development.

“Rest is critical for muscle recovery,” Dr. Didelot says “If your child is very active, consider cross-training by switching sports each season. For example, after baseball in the spring, try football in the fall and basketball in the winter. This gives muscles time to recover and grow, which will benefit their long-term performance.”

Some muscle soreness is common when a child is getting back into sports, but parents should seek medical attention if their child experiences:

• Persistent pain during or after practice or games
• Ongoing swelling
• Limping or changes in their gait

If you suspect a concussion or notice symptoms like loss of consciousness or repeated vomiting, seek emergency medical care immediately.

“Surgery is rarely needed to fix sports-related injuries in children,” Dr. Didelot says. “Often the treatment is resting and therapy for strengthening and stretching the affected area.”

Many schools and sports organizers require youth participants receive a sports physical to assess overall health before participating in organized sports. Every spring, Tidelands Health offers free, onsite sports physicals at Georgetown County high schools to check students’ health and address any conditions in advance of sports during the next school year.