An increase in overuse injuries among minors is raising concerns among medical professionals, with most cases affecting knees, shoulders, elbows, and ankles. This trend gains particular attention during National Youth Sports Safety Month in April, as highlighted by high school athletes like Megan Grant, who resides in Sunrise, Florida. Megan began playing soccer before the age of three and, despite her passion for the sport, found that her dedication came at a physical cost.
During her freshman year of high school, Megan suffered a significant injury during a soccer game. While attempting a quick directional change, her cleat remained anchored in the turf, causing her knee to twist and resulting in immense pain. This incident led to a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), a common knee injury. Treatment was provided by Baptist Health Orthopedic Care in Plantation, where Dr. Fernando Moya, an orthopedic surgeon, performed surgery. He utilized a tendon from behind Megan’s kneecap, securing it with screws to stabilize her knee joint.
Megan’s recovery journey included physical therapy sessions at Baptist Health Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, where she attended three sessions weekly for approximately a year. Throughout this process, her interest in medicine sparked, leading her to pursue a career as an orthopedic surgeon, with plans to begin pre-medical studies at Florida State University.
Through this experience, Megan gained insights into the critical importance of stretching, as well as the necessity of strengthening the body, proper nutrition, and adequate rest to minimize injury risks. Dr. Moya emphasized that young athletes, some even at the middle school level, often specialize in sports to an extent that surpasses even professional athletes’ training regimes.
The Bottom Line
- Increased awareness of overuse injuries in minors prompts a reevaluation of training practices for young athletes, emphasizing balanced routines.
- National Youth Sports Safety Month serves as a reminder of the importance of safe sports practices and preventive measures for young athletes.
- Parents and coaches may need to monitor young athletes’ training schedules more closely to prevent injuries that could impact their long-term health.
- The story underscores the role of medical professionals in guiding injured athletes through recovery while inspiring future medical careers.
- Strengthening programs, nutrition education, and rest are crucial components in reducing the risk of sports-related injuries among youth.