The shoulder is particularly vulnerable to injuries. OrthoOIC in Arlington, VA, has seen an increase in shoulder injuries from youth sports in recent years. Coaches, parents, and athletes can help prevent shoulder and other common sports injuries with knowledge and good physical practices. But when injuries occur, you can count on OrthoOIC for the best pediatric urgent care in Arlington, VA.
Two things that make shoulders susceptible to overuse injuries are the range of motion and involvement in everyday movements. Shoulder injuries like torn rotator cuffs are common because of overuse, even in non-contact sports. Dislocations pose a significant risk, particularly in contact sports. Teenage boys face the highest risk of repeated shoulder dislocations associated with sports. A study published by the National Institute of Health cited that “post-pubertal adolescents (14 to 16 years of age) are known to have one of the highest incidences of instability and failure of treatment, whether operative or non-operative.” Fortunately, younger children aged 10 to 13 show a relatively lower rate of multiple dislocations and related instability due to shoulder injuries.
Recognizing the signs of shoulder dislocations is essential for early intervention. Pediatric shoulder injuries often manifest as intense pain, tingling, and numbness in the hand, fingers, and arm. The injured child may show signs of weakness or favoring the uninjured shoulder.
Overuse injuries in youth sports, such as those affecting the rotator cuff, demand close attention. Rotator cuff injuries can impact young athletes, even in non-contact sports like swimming. The repetitive nature of swimming strokes puts strain on the rotator cuff muscles, making young swimmers susceptible to overuse injuries. Shoulder pain, reduced range of motion, and weakness are common symptoms. OrthoOIC offers pediatric urgent care for rotator cuff injuries. Continued use without proper rest and treatment may lead to further damage.
Whether from falls in the yard or youth sports, shoulder fractures are a common youth injury. The team at OrthoOIC has seen an increase in orthopedic pediatric shoulder fractures. Shoulder fractures may cause pain, swelling, and limit the child’s arm movement. At the urgent care center, our goal is to get proper imaging of the fracture, alleviate the pain, reduce the swelling, and stabilize the shoulder.
Lacross, football, wrestling, and rugby are especially prone to shoulder overuse injuries from youth sports. Football, in particular, accounts for a high number of shoulder injuries at urgent care. OrthoOIC is a qualified pediatric urgent care in Arlington, VA. Our orthopedic specialists prioritize the unique needs of young patients. Focused on delivering exceptional care, we address numerous orthopedic issues, including shoulder injuries. Our urgent care center is equipped with technology, like on-site x-rays, to assess, stabilize, and treat shoulder injuries from youth sports.
Do not let shoulder injuries from youth sports hinder a child’s active lifestyle. Sports safety is imperative to our team at OrthoOIC. To avoid repetitive stress injuries in our youth athletes, we suggest limiting the number of teams played per season, diversifying sports throughout the year, and safe training practices.
From diagnosing dislocations to offering personalized treatment plans, we prioritize youth athletes’ well-being. Avoid emergency room waits or needs for referrals. Our urgent care center in Arlington offers flexible weekend hours, with options to walk in or make an appointment. We proudly serve the Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. area with quick and effective treatment options at a convenient urgent care center. OrthoOIC is ready to provide immediate attention, ensuring your child can quickly return to the youth sports and activities they love.