What Is a Pediatric Sports Medicine Physician?
A pediatric sports medicine specialist is a healthcare provider who helps children with injuries caused during sports or athletic activities. These injuries could result from players bumping into each other or a child working the same muscles too much.
A child could also fall on a hard surface and break a bone. If untreated, damage to a child's tendons, joints, muscles, and bones could have lasting effects on their growth.
Pediatric sports medicine specialists must have 4 years of medical school and 3 years of training in pediatrics. They also must have 1 to 2 years of training in sports medicine. Plus, they have to earn a Certification of Added Qualification through the
American Academy of Pediatrics.
These healthcare providers know that children are not "small adults." They understand that the body of a child or teen is still developing and needs a different approach to treatment.
We offer our sports medicine services to children from all walks
of life, whether they’re professional athletes or individuals who simply love playing outside.
When Should You Bring Your Child to See a Sports Medicine Physician?
Sports injuries vary from mild to severe. The pain and swelling in minor sports injuries can usually be reduced by using the RICE method even at home. This stands for rest, ice application, compression and elevation. However, for medium to severe injuries,
it’s recommended to see a sports medicine doctor.
Some of the common signs of a more severe sports injury include
- A popping or crunching sound in the joint
- Having visible deformities, bumps or lumps
- Instability
- Not being able to stand, walk or function
- Severe pain and swelling
- Inability to put weight on the joint or weak area
