Does your child have sports injuries or other muscle or bone problems? MaineHealth offers a full range of pediatric orthopedic services.
What is pediatric orthopedic care?
Pediatric orthopedics is the treatment of bone and muscle conditions in infants, children and teenagers. The first step is getting a primary care evaluation. Your child's pediatrician or primary care provider may refer your child to an orthopedic specialist for additional tests, diagnosis, treatment or rehabilitation.
Conditions commonly treated
- Club foot
- Spine problems caused by scoliosis, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and more
- Walking problems
- Hip problems
- Leg-length differences
- Joint problems
- Sport injuries
- Broken bones from trauma or accidents
Your treatment team may include:
- Neurologist
- Physical therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Bracing specialist
- Surgeon
Pediatric sports medicine
If your child is sidelined by a sports injury, MaineHealth provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment services for pediatric sports injuries. We will develop an individualized treatment plan that helps your child feel better and get back to playing as soon as possible.
It is important to encourage children to participate in sports and be physically active, but also to make sure they follow the rules and play safely to avoid getting hurt. Early diagnosis and treatment of injuries is important in returning children to sports and regular activities.
Some common types of sports injuries in children include:
- Sprains and strains
- Growth plate injuries
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Heat-related illness
- Broken bones/fractures
- Concussions
- Cuts
Some common causes of sports injuries in children:
- Improper training/playing
- Overtraining
- Improper footwear
- Improper safety equipment
- Rapid growth during puberty
Treatment for sports injuries in children depends on the injury. Many injuries can be treated with RICE, which stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation.
- Rest - Reduce your regular activities. Take weight off of the injured body part.
- Ice - Use an ice pack on the injured area for 20 minutes, four to eight times a day. Take the ice off after 20 minutes to avoid cold injury.
- Compression - Put even pressure on the injured area to help reduce swelling. You can use an elastic wrap, special boot, air cast, or splint depending on the type of injury.
- Elevation - Put the injured area on a pillow, at a level above your heart, to help reduce swelling.
Other treatments may include:
- Physical therapy
- Medication for pain and inflammation
- Splints, slings, casts, or leg immobilizers
- Surgery
A rehabilitation program might include exercise, physical therapy and ultrasound technology to help with the pain and improve healing.
There are some measures that can be taken to try to prevent sports injuries in children. Some prevention methods include:
- Protective gear for a particular sport
- Tape to provide support
- Additional padding
- Proper shoes that provide protection and support
- Warm-ups and cool downs as part of a routine
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Access to water or a sports drink while playing
- Sport-specific safety rules
- Good night’s sleep and proper rest
- Playing a variety of sports that work the body in different ways rather than always doing the same sport
