Too often, parents and coaches send kids back on the field or court before their bodies are ready, because they don't want them to miss a game or miss a tryout. I am frequently asked if it's OK to let play with an arm or leg in a cast. Even if the eagerness is in the child, not the adult, parents need to enforce the rest for the child's safety. A cycle of repetitive injury in young athletes sets them up for ongoing problems that can carry over to adulthood and ultimately cut years off their athletic careers. The repetitive stress of throwing causes degenerative changes in the elbow that can lead to permanent damage.
Rest is the only cure.
One of the best preventions for overuse injuries, in addition to rest and common sense, is stretching. Especially when kids are going through a growth spurt, their muscles are tight. He recommends a good 20 minutes of stretching before each practice or game, with more stretching at the end. Monkey Bars, Playscapes and Trampolines often Culprits in Injuries John Williams, M.D. Orthopedics Central Texas Pediatric Orthopedics and Scoliosis Surgery John Williams, M.D., is board certified in orthopedics. A graduate of the Brown University Brown-Dartmouth Program in Medicine, Dr. Williams served an internship at Rhode Island Hospital, a residency at the University of Pittsburgh and a fellowship at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.