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</ iframe > </noscript> <!-- End Google Tag Manager (noscript) --><div id="header"> <div id="CClogo"><a href="https://www.cookchildrens.org"><span class="srText">Cook Children's</span></a></div> <div id="CCsearch"> <form id="searchform" name="searchform" method="GET" onsubmit="return (this.q.value == '') ? false : true;" action="/CookChildrens/en/parents/"> <input type="hidden" name="search" value="y"/> <input type="hidden" name="getfields" value="description"/> <input type="search" class="search" name="q" id="q" maxlength="256" autocomplete="off" autocorrect="off" placeholder="Search"/> <input type="hidden" name="datasource" value="cookchildrens"> <input type="hidden" name="start" value="0"> <input type="hidden" name="rows" value="10"> <input type="hidden" name="lang" value="english"> <input type="hidden" name="section" value="parents_teens_kids"> <input type="submit" value="" id="searchButton" class="buttonImage"/> </form> </div> </div> <!-- If we have main navigation separated then it will reside here --> <div id="thelou" tabindex="-1"> </div> <div id="mainContentContainer"> <div id="rsSearchBrowse"> <div id="rsBrowse" role="navigation"> </div> <div id="rsSearch"> <div id="rsSectionLabel">teens</div> </div> </div> <div id="khContentHeading" class="cca licH"> <h1>Sports Medicine</h1> </div> <div id="kh_n00WC" data-test="tested"> <div class="hero heroleftalign "> <div class="heromaincontainer"> <div class="heroinnercontainer"><img class="responsivedesktop" src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/hero-d-left-sports-medicine-center-t-kh-1.jpg" alt="User Provided Alt Text"><img class="responsivemobile" src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/hero-m-sports-medicine-center-t-kh.jpg" alt="test"><div class="wfbb herotextouter"> <h2>Playing Sports</h2> <p>There are many sports to choose from. Explore your options and find the sport that's best for you.</p> <p><a class="herobutton" href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/find-sports.html">Explore</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="tile"> <ul class="wc3Tiles"> <li> <div class="tileImage"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/tilex3-sports-medecine-body-care-t-kh.jpg" alt=""></div> <div class="tileText"><h2>Take Care of Your Body</h2> <p>Find out what else you can do to be healthy.</p> <p>Find the <a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/eatnrun.html" target="_self">right foods</a></p> <p>Get your <a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/sports-physicals.html" target="_self">sports physical</a></p> <p><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/stretching.html" target="_self">Stretch</a></p></div> </li> <li> <div class="tileImage"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/tilex3-sports-medecine-mentle-game-t-kh.jpg" alt=""></div> <div class="tileText"><h2>The Mental Game</h2> <p>You can develop a healthy attitude about sports and learn to cope with some of the challenges too.</p> <p>Coping with <a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/sports-pressure.html" target="_self">sports stress</a></p> <p>You can be a <a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/sportsmanship.html" target="_self">good sport</a></p> <p><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/power-positive.html" target="_self">Stay positive!</a></p></div> </li> <li> <div class="tileImage"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/tilex3-sports-medecine-concussions-t-kh.jpg" alt=""></div> <div class="tileText"><h2>Concussions</h2> <p>Read what our experts have to say about concussions.</p> <p>What is a <a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/concussions.html" target="_self">concussion</a>?</p> <p>Prevention <a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/concussions-sports.html" target="_self">tips</a></p> <p>How to <a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/concussions-healing.html" target="_self">heal safely</a></p> <p>Concussions: <a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/concussions-alex.html" target="_self">Alex's story</a></p></div> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="tile"> <ul class="wc3Tiles"> <li> <div class="tileImage"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/tilex3-sports-medecine-knee-injury-t-kh.jpg" alt=""></div> <div class="tileText"><h2>Knee Injuries</h2> <p>Ligaments connect bones to each other. But sometimes the ligaments can tear.</p> <p><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/acl-injuries.html" target="_self">ACL injuries</a></p> <p><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/mcl-injuries.html" target="_self">MCL injuries</a></p> <p>Knee Injury: <a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/story-caroline.html" target="_self">Caroline's story</a></p></div> </li> <li> <div class="tileImage"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/tilex3-sports-medecine-strains-sprains-t-kh.jpg" alt=""></div> <div class="tileText"><h2>Strains and Sprains</h2> <p>Strains and sprains usually heal without lasting problems. Follow your doctor's instructions to help the injury heal as quickly as possible.</p> <p><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/ankle-sprains.html" target="_self">Ankle sprains</a></p> <p><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/groin-strain.html" target="_self">Groin strain</a></p> <p><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/hamstring-strain.html" target="_self">Hamstring strain</a></p></div> </li> <li> <div class="tileImage"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/tilex3-sports-medecine-steroids-supplements-t-kh.jpg" alt=""></div> <div class="tileText"><h2>The Risks of Steroids, Supplements, and Sports Drinks</h2> <p><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/steroids.html" target="_self">Steroids</a></p> <p><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/sports-supplements.html" target="_self">Sports supplements</a></p> <p><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/sports-energy-drinks.html" target="_self">Sports drinks & energy drinks</a></p> <p><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/caffeine.html" target="_self">Caffeine</a></p></div> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="kh-circles theme2" data-total-circles="4"> <div class="kh-circles-heading"> <h2>Repetitive Stress Injuries</h2> <p>Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) happen when movements are repeated over and over.</p> </div><button class="circlesLeft" style="display: none"><span class="hideOffScreen">Previous slide</span></button><ul class="kh-circles-content"> <li id="kh-cc_1" data-cc="1" class="kh-cc-current"> <div class="kh-cc-img"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/circle-sports-medicinecircle-center-repetitive-stress-injuries-t-kh.jpg" alt=""></div> <div class="kh-cc-text"><h3>Repetitive Stress Injuries</h3> <p>Learn how RSIs happen and how doctors treat them.</p> <p><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/repetitive-stress-sports.html" target="_self">RSIs</a></p></div> </li> <li id="kh-cc_2" data-cc="2"> <div class="kh-cc-img"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/circle-sports-medicinecircle-center-running-jumping-injuries-t-kh.jpg" alt=""></div> <div class="kh-cc-text"><h3>Running and Jumping Injuries</h3> <p>Doing the same movements over and over can stress the knees. Read about 2 common knee injuries in teens.</p> <p><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/jumpers-knee.html" target="_self">Jumper's knee</a></p> <p><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/runners-knee.html" target="_self">Runner's knee</a></p></div> </li> <li id="kh-cc_3" data-cc="3"> <div class="kh-cc-img"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/circle-sports-medicinecircle-center-stress-fractures-t-kh.jpg" alt=""></div> <div class="kh-cc-text"><h3>Stress Fractures</h3> <p>A stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone. It usually happens from repeating the same movement over and over.</p> <p>Read about <a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/stress-fractures.html" target="_self">stress fractures</a></p></div> </li> <li id="kh-cc_4" data-cc="4"> <div class="kh-cc-img"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/circle-sports-medicinecircle-center-common-rsi-t-kh.jpg" alt=""></div> <div class="kh-cc-text"><h3>Other Common RSIs</h3> <p>There are many kinds of RSIs. Here are some that can happen in young athletes.</p> <p><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/osgood.html" target="_self">Osgood-Schlatter disease</a></p> <p><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/severs-disease.html" target="_self">Sever's disease</a></p> <p><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/shin-splints.html" target="_self">Shin splints</a></p></div> </li> </ul><button class="circlesRight"><span class="hideOffScreen">Next slide</span></button></div> <div class="kh-accordion"> <h2>Sports Q&A</h2> <ul> <li><button class="accButt" id="accButt_1">How can I prep for my season?</button><div class="accDrop" style="display: none;" id="accDrop_1"><p>Get in shape, set goals, and check your gear.</p> <p><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/tips-sports.html" target="_self">Read more</a></p></div> </li> <li><button class="accButt" id="accButt_2">How can I stay safe while playing sports?</button><div class="accDrop" style="display: none;" id="accDrop_2"><p>Wear your safety gear, be sure to warm up, and follow the rules of the game.</p> <p><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/sport-safety.html" target="_self">Find more tips</a></p></div> </li> <li><button class="accButt" id="accButt_3">What if I want to quit a sport?</button><div class="accDrop" style="display: none;" id="accDrop_3"><p>Think about what is making you want to quit and figure out what's best for you.</p> <p><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/quit-sports.html" target="_self">Get ideas</a></p></div> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="kh-gallery theme1"> <div class="kh-g-inner"> <h2>Safety Tips by Sport</h2><button id="galPrev" style="display: none;"><span class="hideOffScreen">Scroll List Left</span></button><ul class="kh-g-content"> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/safety-baseball.html"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/gallery-sports-medecine-center-baseball-t-kh.jpg" alt=""><div class="kh-gc-text"> <p>Baseball</p> </div></a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/safety-basketball.html"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/gallery-sports-medecine-center-basketball-t-kh.jpg" alt=""><div class="kh-gc-text"> <p>Basketball</p> </div></a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/cheerleading.html"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/gallery-sports-medecine-center-cheerleading-t-kh.jpg" alt=""><div class="kh-gc-text"> <p>Cheerleading</p> </div></a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/safety-fastpitch.html"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/gallery-sports-medecine-center-fastpitch-softball-t-kh.jpg" alt=""><div class="kh-gc-text"> <p>Fastpitch Softball</p> </div></a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/field-hockey-safety.html"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/gallery-sports-medecine-center-field-hockey-t-kh.jpg" alt=""><div class="kh-gc-text"> <p>Field Hockey</p> </div></a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/safety-football.html"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/gallery-sports-medecine-center-football-t-kh.jpg" alt=""><div class="kh-gc-text"> <p>Football</p> </div></a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/safety-golf.html"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/gallery-sports-medecine-center-golf-t-kh.jpg" alt=""><div class="kh-gc-text"> <p>Golf</p> </div></a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/safety-gymnastics.html"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/gallery-sports-medecine-center-gymnastics-t-kh.jpg" alt=""><div class="kh-gc-text"> <p>Gymnastics</p> </div></a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/safety-hockey.html"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/gallery-sports-medecine-center-hockey-t-kh.jpg" alt=""><div class="kh-gc-text"> <p>Hockey</p> </div></a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/safety-inline.html"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/gallery-sports-medecine-center-inline-skating-t-kh.jpg" alt=""><div class="kh-gc-text"> <p>Inline Skating</p> </div></a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/safety-lacrosse.html"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/gallery-sports-medecine-center-lacrosse-t-kh.jpg" alt=""><div class="kh-gc-text"> <p>Lacrosse</p> </div></a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/safety-running.html"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/gallery-sports-medecine-center-running-t-kh.jpg" alt=""><div class="kh-gc-text"> <p>Running</p> </div></a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/safety-skiing.html"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/gallery-sports-medecine-center-skiing-t-kh.jpg" alt=""><div class="kh-gc-text"> <p>Skiing</p> </div></a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/safety-soccer.html"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/gallery-sports-medecine-center-soccer-t-kh.jpg" alt=""><div class="kh-gc-text"> <p>Soccer</p> </div></a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/safety-swimming.html"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/gallery-sports-medecine-center-swimming-t-kh.jpg" alt=""><div class="kh-gc-text"> <p>Swimming</p> </div></a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/safety-tennis.html"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/gallery-sports-medecine-center-tennis-t-kh.jpg" alt=""><div class="kh-gc-text"> <p>Tennis</p> </div></a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/safety-volleyball.html"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/gallery-sports-medecine-center-volleyball-t-kh.jpg" alt=""><div class="kh-gc-text"> <p>Volleyball</p> </div></a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/safety-wrestling.html"><img src="/content/dam/kidshealth/en/center/gallery-sports-medecine-center-wrestling-t-kh.jpg" alt=""><div class="kh-gc-text"> <p>Wrestling</p> </div></a></li> </ul><button id="galNext" style="display: none;"><span class="hideOffScreen">Scroll List Right</span></button></div> </div> <div class="relatedTopicsContainer "> <div class="relatedTopics"> <h2>Other Athletic Injuries</h2><button id="rtPrev" style="display: none;"><span class="hideOffScreen">Scroll List Left</span></button><ul class="relatedTopicsList"> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/achilles.html">Achilles Tendonitis</a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/burners.html">Burner (Stinger)</a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/hip-pointer.html">Hip Pointer</a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/biceps-tendonitis.html">Proximal Biceps Tendonitis</a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/quad-contusions.html">Quadriceps Contusion</a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/testicular-injuries.html">Testicular Injuries</a></li> </ul><button id="rtNext" style="display: none;"><span class="hideOffScreen">Scroll List Right</span></button></div> </div> </div> <div id="kh_lic_footer"> <nav aria-label="Content info"> <ul id="kh_lic_footer_links"> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/editorial-policy-licensee.html">Editorial Policy</a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/policy-licensees.html">KidsHealth Privacy Policy & Terms of Use</a></li> <li><a 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