Kids and teens are active, adventurous, and often participate in sports year-round. While sports offer countless physical and social benefits, young athletes are also at risk for injuries—especially as their bodies are still growing. At The OUCH Center, Dr. Maxim Moradian and his team specialize in diagnosing, treating, and safely guiding children and teens back to play.
Why Kids’ Injuries Are Different
Children’s bones, muscles, and joints are still developing, making them more vulnerable to certain injuries compared to adults. Growth plates—the soft areas at the ends of long bones where bone growth occurs—are particularly susceptible. Damage to these areas can affect bone development if not properly treated, highlighting the importance of prompt, expert care.
Common Pediatric Sports Injuries:
Sprains and strains: Ligaments and muscles can stretch or tear during sudden movements or overuse.
Fractures: Falls, collisions, or awkward landings can result in broken bones, including growth plate injuries.
Overuse injuries: Repetitive motions in sports like baseball, gymnastics, or swimming can cause tendonitis or stress fractures.
Concussions: Head impacts in contact sports can lead to mild traumatic brain injuries.
Knee injuries: Including ligament tears, meniscus injuries, and patellar dislocations.
Safe Treatment and Recovery
Proper treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury. At The OUCH Center, care plans prioritize healing while protecting developing bones and joints. Common strategies include:
Rest and activity modification: Temporarily limiting activity to prevent further injury.
Physical therapy: Guided exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and balance.
Bracing or supportive devices: Splints, casts, or braces to protect injured areas.
Regenerative or minimally invasive therapies: In select cases, advanced options may accelerate recovery and reduce pain.
Return-to-Play Protocols
Rushing back into sports can lead to re-injury or chronic issues. Our team follows evidence-based return-to-play protocols:
Gradual increase in activity intensity
Monitoring for pain, swelling, or instability
Ensuring proper technique and conditioning
Clearance from a healthcare professional before full participation
Prevention Tips for Young Athletes
Preventing injuries is just as important as treating them. Parents and coaches can help reduce risk by:
Encouraging proper warm-up and cool-down routines
Ensuring age-appropriate training and equipment
Emphasizing technique and safe play
Scheduling regular rest days to prevent overuse injuries
Teaching children to recognize pain or discomfort and speak up early
Trust The OUCH Center for Pediatric Sports Care
Whether it’s a minor sprain or a more serious growth plate injury, early evaluation and proper treatment make all the difference. Dr. Maxim Moradian and the team at The OUCH Center provide expert pediatric sports care, focusing on safe recovery and a healthy return to play.
Schedule an appointment today by calling (626) 389-3893 or (818) 643-4346, emailing info@theouchcenter.com, or visiting one of our convenient locations: Arcadia: 51 N. 5th Avenue, Suite 301E; Glendale: 317 S. Brand, A-106; Palmdale: 41210 11th Street West, Suite K. Our goal is to help your young athletes heal safely, prevent future injuries, and get back in the game stronger than ever.