Sports medicine stats: Overuse injuries in youth sports
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
Approximately 45.9% to 54% of all sports injuries are a result of overuse. The frequency and type of overuse injuries in elite young athletes varies by sport and by age. A study of 453 elite young athletes, aged 8-16 years, reviewed the prevalence of overuse injuries in four sports. The study revealed overuse injuries at rates of 63% for swimmers, 33% for gymnasts and tennis players, and 15% for soccer players. Other studies report the prevalence of overuse injury among different youth sports to range from 37% (skiing and handball) to 68% (running).
Source: American Medical Society for Sports Medicine position statement,Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, 2014
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
Approximately 45.9% to 54% of all sports injuries are a result of overuse. The frequency and type of overuse injuries in elite young athletes varies by sport and by age. A study of 453 elite young athletes, aged 8-16 years, reviewed the prevalence of overuse injuries in four sports. The study revealed overuse injuries at rates of 63% for swimmers, 33% for gymnasts and tennis players, and 15% for soccer players. Other studies report the prevalence of overuse injury among different youth sports to range from 37% (skiing and handball) to 68% (running).