But sports injuries can be prevented. According to Dr. Sullivan, there are different stages of development throughout a child's life that parents need know to help them with their own expectations of their child's abilities. In Care for the Young Athlete , orthopaedic surgeons reported at ages two to seven, children have basic skills that allow them to participate in some forms of physical activity. At ages 10 to 12, children start to master more complex skills and can learn more about the strategies needed to play certain activities. Dr. Sullivan stresses that certain sports can mean increased injury rates.
Younger children hurt themselves more on playgrounds than in organized sports activities.
Injuries to the growth plate can be common in children. Their growth plates can be injured when they fracture their bones or by placing repetitive stress on their bones, joints, tendons and ligaments. The most vulnerable areas are the ankle, knee, wrist and elbow. As children get older, they participate in more organized sports activities like football, wrestling and gymnastics. The good news is that children can get back to play faster than adults.