POSTED BY:
Matthew Harris PT, DPT, CSCS

Running is a sport that can be done all year long. For many young athletes, running is their after school sport of choice. Runners can compete in the fall, winter and spring in cross country, run indoor/outdoor track, and train in the summer. Whether a student is running throughout the year or during a specific season, all are prone to running-specific injuries. Shin Splints One of the most common injuries for runners are shin splints, caused by inflammation in the tissues, tendons, and bones in the shin (tibia). This overuse injury can be due to new or increased training. Pain along the tibia is associated with shin splints, as well as sharp or dull and throbbing pain and mild swelling. The pain can last both during and after running, and the area hurts to touch. People with flat feet or worn-out or improper footwear are more prone to shin splints. […]

For most of us, getting medical care right away for a possible brain injury, such as a concussion, is an easy decision. But teen athletes often have a tougher time identifying when they need to stop and get help. Research has shown that as many as 50% of concussions go under-reported in youth sports. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that: These statistics are significant given the amount of children involved in organized youth sports. Why don’t youth athletes report concussions? Parents know their child better than anyone else and are a critical link in concussion care. Parents should be familiar with concussion symptoms and be confident to speak up when they know their child is not themselves. Too often, youth athletes return to play without a proper medical exam or clearance. Always live by the principle, when in doubt, sit them out. Speaking a Teen Athlete’s […]