Winter sports like basketball and wrestling keep kids active and engaged, but they also come with a higher risk of sports injury. As a parent, it’s important to know what’s normal post-game soreness and what could signal a more serious orthopedic problem. If your child is limping off the court or still in pain days after a match, you may be dealing with more than just a bruise.
Knowing the signs of a youth basketball injury or wrestling-related problem can help you take action early before minor injuries become major setbacks.
What Injuries Are Most Common?
In fast-paced, high-contact sports like basketball and wrestling, injuries can happen quickly. Some of the most common orthopedic issues we see in youth athletes include:
Common Basketball Sports Injuries
- Ankle sprains from jumping, landing, or cutting too hard
- Knee pain from overuse or strain, including growth plate irritation
- Finger injuries from catching or blocking the ball
- Osgood-Schlatter disease, a condition where repeated impact causes pain at the front of the knee
Common Wrestling Sports Injuries
- Shoulder strains or dislocations from takedowns or locks
- Neck and upper back tension from repetitive grappling
- Knee injuries, especially ligament stress from sudden twisting
- Skin irritation or infections, often from close contact with the mat
While many of these injuries can be mild and heal with rest, others may affect bone growth or joint stability, especially if left untreated.
When to Get an Orthopedic Specialist Involved
It’s not always easy to tell when to wait it out and when to seek orthopedic care. Here are some red flags that indicate your child should be evaluated by a specialist:
- Ongoing joint or muscle pain that doesn’t improve after a few days
- Swelling, bruising, or stiffness that limits movement
- Limping or trouble putting weight on a leg
- Shoulder, knee, or elbow instability
- Complaints of a joint that “locks,” “clicks,” or “gives out.”
Young athletes are still growing, so what might be a minor sprain in an adult could be a growth plate injury in a child. That’s why it’s important to consult a pediatric orthopedic specialist if symptoms persist.
Why Pediatric Orthopedics Matters
Children’s bones, joints, and muscles are still developing, and they require care that takes growth and long-term mobility into account. At OSMC, our orthopedic team has experience treating youth athletes safely and effectively without unnecessary downtime or surgery when possible.
From sprains and fractures to prevention strategies, our goal is to help your child recover and return to their sport safely.
Schedule a Pediatric Ortho Visit for Youth Sports Injury
If your young athlete is nursing an injury this season, don’t wait and hope it goes away. The right diagnosis leads to the right treatment and a quicker return to the court or mat.
Schedule a pediatric orthopedic visit at OSMC to get expert care and peace of mind.
