Single Sports Kids Are At Much Higher Risk for Injuries

Over the past few years, more and more kids have chosen—or been encouraged—to focus on one sport. This is called youth sports specialization, which means year-round training and quitting other sports to get better at one thing. While this has been linked to success, it comes with a cost. Medical professionals and sports organizations are sounding the alarm about the health risks of specialization, including overuse injuries and burnout, among other things. Little League shoulder and Osgood-Schlatter disease are just two examples of injuries caused by repetitive strain and intense focus on one activity. [1][2][3][4]

Young Athletes: By the Numbers

Youth sports participation in the U.S. has exploded. In 1987, 18 million kids played organized sports; by 2008, over 60 million. In 2022, the first full year after the Pandemic, 53.8% of youth 6-17 played sports, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. However, as participation grew, the number of multi-sport athletes plummeted. Research shows that young athletes who specialize are 2.25 times more likely to get overuse injuries than multi-sport athletes. [1][3][4]

Beyond Physical Risks

Specialization goes beyond physical risk. Committing to one sport too early can limit a young athlete's physical development and overall enjoyment of the sport. Experts say encourage multiple sport participation, which develops broader athletic skills, reduces the risk of injury, and safeguards young players' physical and mental well-being. This balanced approach means sport remains a source of fun and growth, not stress or harm. [3][4]

Youth sports injuries are a big deal because of the impact on the physical and mental health of young athletes. 

Common Youth Sports Injuries

1. Sprains and Strains

• Sprains, especially ankle sprains, are the most common injuries in youth sports. They happen when ligaments get stretched or torn, usually during sudden direction changes. Muscle strains (hamstring strains) happen when muscles get overstretched during physical activity and can cause pain and limited mobility. [5][6]

2. Concussions

• Concussions are brain injuries caused by blows to the head or neck. Symptoms include dizziness, headaches, confusion, and visual disturbances. Prompt recognition and treatment are key to preventing long-term complications, especially in developing brains. [5][6]

3. Overuse Injuries

• Overuse injuries develop gradually from repetitive stress on specific parts of the body. Examples include:
  • Shin splints: Pain from repetitive running or jumping along the inner shin bone.
  • Shoulder tendinitis: Inflammation of the shoulder tendons from repetitive overhead motions, such as throwing. [5][6][7]

4. Bone Injuries

• Young athletes can also get bone injuries, which can be stress fractures from repetitive strain or acute fractures from direct trauma. These require medical attention, including casting or surgery. [6][7]

5. Growth Plate Injuries

• Growth plates—those areas of developing cartilage at the ends of long bones—are more susceptible in younger athletes. Osgood-Schlatter disease occurs when repetitive strain on the growth plate below the kneecap causes pain and limits activity. [6][7]

Other Injuries

• Knee Injuries: Common in sports that require quick direction changes like soccer or basketball. Runner’s knee and ACL tears.
• Elbow Injuries: Overuse can cause Little League elbow, which affects the growth plate in the elbow and is common in baseball. [7]

Recent research has shown some key trends in youth sports injuries. One study looked at high school athletes from 2015 to 2019 and found:[8]

• Total injuries: 15,531
• Athletic exposures (AEs): 6,778,209
• Overall injury rate: 2.29 per 1,000 AEs

High-risk sports had higher injury rates:

• Football: 3.96 per 1,000 AEs
• Girls’ Soccer: 2.65 per 1,000 AEs
• Boys’ Wrestling: 2.36 per 1,000 AEs

Football: A High-Risk Sport

Football had the highest injury rates, almost double the overall rate across all sports. Contributing factors:[9][10].

• Collisions and high-impact movements
• Physical demands of the game, increasing acute and overuse injuries

Key Takeaways for Prevention: Reduce football injuries by:

• Better equipment
• Rest days
• Safe tackling training

Gender-Specific Trends: Girls’ Soccer

Girls’ soccer injuries have different patterns, with a large portion from:

• Non-contact injuries: Often linked to sudden changes in direction
• Higher rates of ACL tears compared to boys in similar sports

Recommendations:

• Strengthen joint stability programs
• Add neuromuscular training for injury prevention

Wrestling: Risks and Prevention

Boys’ wrestling had the highest injury rate, due to:

• The physicality of grappling and holds
• Acute injuries (sprains and dislocations)

Prevention for wrestling should include:

• Strength training for joint resilience
• Proper technique during matches

Overuse injuries, including stress fractures, tendonitis, bursitis, apophysitis, and osteochondral injuries of joint surfaces, were significantly less common when children participated more frequently in unstructured free play. The following factors increase the risk of overuse injuries in young athletes:[11]

• Strength or Range of Motion Imbalances: Disproportionate muscle strength or limited joint mobility can exacerbate injury risk.
• Anatomic Misalignment: Structural issues such as flat feet or knock knees may contribute to injury susceptibility.
• Inadequate Footwear: Poorly fitted or inappropriate shoes fail to provide necessary support and protection.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Prior injuries or chronic health issues can weaken the body’s ability to handle physical strain.
• Vulnerable Growth Cartilage: Developing cartilage in young athletes is less resilient to repetitive microtrauma.
• Intensive Training During Growth Spurts: Periods of rapid physical growth combined with high-intensity, repetitive training amplify injury risks.

The youth sports specialization debate has prompted great conversations between parents, coaches, and sports organizations. These conversations are about finding the right balance between specialized training and multi-sport participation. An environment that puts enjoyment, growth, and long-term health above short-term success is key. [12][13]

The Bigger Picture of Early Sports Specialization

Going all in on one sport at a young age has consequences far beyond the immediate risk of injury. It can stunt long-term athletic development and limit the ability to develop a broad skill set. It also turns what should be a fun activity into a source of stress and burnout. [3][4]

Experts recommend a balanced approach to youth sports. By playing multiple sports, kids can:

• Less Injury Risk: Switching activities reduces repetitive stress on growing bodies.
• More Holistic Athleticism: Multiple experiences = broader physical foundation.
• More Enjoyment and Motivation: Multiple sports keep it fresh and fun.

While touted as a way to get better and be more competitive, youth sports specialization comes with a big price tag. Research reveals the challenges and provides solutions to make sports safer and fun for young athletes.

Key Takeaways

Injury Risks:

• Specialized athletes are 2.25 times more likely to get overuse injuries.
• Little League shoulder and Osgood-Schlatter disease are common.
• Serious injuries requiring long recovery are on the rise, especially in high school athletes.

Broader Impacts:

• Specialization leads to burnout, stress, and less enjoyment of sports.
• Caps long-term athletic development by limiting skill sets.

Multi-Sport Participation Benefits:

• Lower Injury Risk: Reduces repetitive stress on specific joints and muscles.
• Whole Athlete Development: Encourages overall physical and mental development.
• Long-Term Fun: Keeps sports fun and activity for life.

What can be done:

To safeguard young athletes, stakeholders must prioritize:

• Diverse Training: Encourage participation in multiple sports to mitigate repetitive stress.
• Prevention Strategies: Focus on preseason physicals, proper warm-ups, and recognizing overtraining.
• Supportive Environments: Foster a culture that values enjoyment, growth, and health over immediate success.

By implementing these changes, we can help ensure that sports remain a source of fulfillment and health for young athletes, not a pathway to unnecessary harm.