Sports Injuries in Children: When to Seek Care

An independent educational resource prepared by Mark M. Simonian, MD, FAAP

Sources checked: August 9, 2026     |     Medical review completed: August 9, 2026

This page is for general education only and does not replace individualized medical advice. This resource does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. For questions about your own child, contact your child's current healthcare professional.

Magnolia Pediatrics, Valley Children's Healthcare

2497 E. Herndon Avenue, Suite 101, Clovis, CA 93611     |     559-538-3070

Most sports injuries are sprains, strains, bruises, or overuse pain. Stop the activity when pain begins. A child should not be encouraged to play through pain, limp, weakness, or possible concussion symptoms.

Urgent Warning Signs - Check This First

If an injury could affect breathing, circulation, the spine, the head, or the child's ability to stay awake, call for emergency help. Do not move a child with possible neck or back injury unless needed for immediate safety.

CALL 911 NOW

  • Trouble breathing, chest pain with collapse, loss of consciousness, a seizure, or a child who is unresponsive

  • A suspected neck or back injury with weakness, numbness, tingling, loss of bladder or bowel control, or inability to move normally

  • Severe bleeding that does not stop with firm direct pressure, or an injury with a bone visible through the skin

  • A severe deformity with a pale, blue, cold, numb, or weak hand or foot below the injury

GET EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE NOW

  • A possible fracture or dislocation: obvious deformity, a joint that looks out of place, severe swelling, severe pain, or inability to move the area normally

  • Inability to bear weight or walk after a leg, ankle, foot, hip, or knee injury

  • A hard hit or fall followed by confusion, repeated vomiting, worsening headache, unequal pupils, slurred speech, weakness, or increasing drowsiness

  • Severe abdominal pain after a blow to the abdomen, blood in urine, coughing or vomiting blood, or a rapidly worsening condition

CONTACT YOUR CHILD'S HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL TODAY

  • A joint injury with substantial swelling, bruising, a pop at the time of injury, locking, giving way, or trouble fully bending or straightening

  • Pain that causes a limp, prevents normal use of an arm or leg, or remains significant after rest and simple care

  • Pain directly over a bone, pain after a fall or collision, or concern for a stress fracture from repeated activity

  • A possible concussion, even if the child did not lose consciousness. Remove the child from play the same day and arrange evaluation.

  • Pain, swelling, or repeated symptoms that return whenever the child resumes activity

What to Do Right Away

  • Stop the activity. Do not test an injury by asking the child to run, jump, throw, or continue playing.

  • Protect the injured area and let the child rest. Remove rings, watches, or tight equipment if swelling is possible.

  • For a minor soft-tissue injury, apply a cold pack wrapped in a thin cloth for up to 20 minutes at a time. Never place ice directly on skin.

  • Use a light elastic wrap only if it is comfortable and does not cause numbness, tingling, color change, or increased pain. Elevate the area when practical.

  • Do not try to straighten a deformed limb or put a joint back into place. Keep it still and seek emergency care.

Possible Concussion: Remove From Play

A concussion can occur after a hit or jolt to the head or body. Symptoms may begin right away or later. A child or teen with possible concussion must not return to practice, games, physical education, cycling, or other risk activities on the same day. Return to sports requires healthcare-professional approval and a gradual step-by-step progression.

  • Possible symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, balance problems, vision changes, sensitivity to light or noise, confusion, slowed thinking, unusual behavior, or feeling "not right."

  • Tell the coach, school, athletic trainer when available, and other caregivers. Use the Head Injuries and Concussion guide for detailed warning signs and follow-up.

Overuse Pain

Overuse injuries often develop gradually rather than after one fall or collision. They can involve a growing bone, tendon, or muscle. Pain that returns with running, jumping, throwing, or practice should not be ignored simply because there was no single injury.

  • Stop the activity that causes pain and arrange assessment if pain persists, there is swelling, the child limps, or normal activities are affected.

  • Avoid a sudden increase in training time, intensity, distance, or number of teams. Include rest days and vary activities when possible.

  • Use well-fitting protective gear and sport-appropriate footwear. A coach, athletic trainer, physical therapist, or clinician can help address technique and safe return.

Return to Sport

  • Return only when the child can use the injured area normally in daily life and can progress without pain, limp, swelling, weakness, or loss of motion.

  • Increase activity gradually. If pain or swelling returns, stop and contact the child's healthcare professional.

  • A fracture, dislocation, significant ligament injury, or concussion needs individualized return instructions. Do not rely only on the calendar, a coach's opinion, or the child's desire to play.

Call Preparation

  • What happened, the body part involved, and whether there was a pop, twist, collision, fall, or direct blow

  • Ability to walk, bear weight, use the arm, move the joint, and whether there is numbness, tingling, weakness, or color change

  • Location of pain, swelling, bruising, and what first aid was provided

  • Any head impact or concussion symptoms, and whether the child returned to play after the injury

Related Guides

  • Head Injuries and Concussion: When to Seek Care

  • Limping, Leg Pain, and Refusal to Walk: When to Seek Care

  • First Aid for Common Injuries: When to Seek Care

  • Heat Illness in Children: Prevention and When to Seek Care

Sources and Medical Review

  • HealthyChildren.org (AAP), Kids and Sports Injuries: What to Do If Your Young Athlete Gets Hurt https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/sports-injuries/Pages/After-a-Sports-Injury-When-to-See-the-Doctor.aspx

  • HealthyChildren.org (AAP), Sprained Ankles https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/orthopedic/Pages/Sprained-Ankles.aspx

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Returning to Sports After a Concussion https://www.cdc.gov/heads-up/guidelines/returning-to-sports.html

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), What to Do After a Concussion https://www.cdc.gov/heads-up/guidelines/recovery-from-concussion.html