Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist Treating Young Athletes in Arlington, VA
Today, more children and teenagers are exercising and playing sports, competing at higher levels and specializing in single activities at younger ages than ever before. This is great news. When incorporated into a child’s daily routine, physical activity can help establish the foundation for a lifetime of fitness and good health. Other benefits include improved aerobic fitness, muscle strength, endurance, bone health and cognitive function, as well as a reduced risk of obesity and depression. But, along with increased activity comes a heightened risk of injury. Do young athletes require specialized care?
The Importance of Pediatric Sports Medicine
Children are not just small adults. Because their bodies are still developing, young athletes are often treated differently than their older counterparts – even for the exact same injury. For example, the ACL reconstruction procedure often performed in adults cannot be performed the same way in children due to their growth plates, which are areas of growing tissue that ultimately enable bones to reach their final length and shape.
At Nirschl Orthopaedic Center in Arlington, Virginia, we specialize in both sports medicine and pediatric orthopedics with a special interest in treating young athletes.
Conditions & Injuries Treated
Dr. Adib treats many sports-related conditions and injuries that are especially common among young athletes, such as:
- Sprains and strains
- Ligament injuries, such as ACL tears
- Cartilage damage, such as meniscal tears and discoid meniscus
- Tendinitis, swimmer’s shoulder, Little Leaguer’s elbow, runner’s knee, shin splints and other overuse injuries
- Shoulder instability
- Joint dislocations and bone fractures, including growth plate injuries
- Osteochondroses, such as Sever’s disease and Osgood-Schlatter disease
In addition, we can help with almost any type of pain or physical limitation that is interfering with a child or teen’s ability to fully participate in exercise or sports. Prompt and appropriate treatment of these issues can help ensure full and proper healing as well as maximize a young athlete’s performance.
If your child has sustained a sports-related injury, contact Nirschl Orthopaedic Center to schedule an appointment with our pediatric sports medicine specialist at our office in Arlington, VA. we will help your growing athlete return to sport at the top of his or her game.