What Are the Most Common High School Sports Injuries?
Sprains (torn ligaments) and strains (pulled muscles) are the most common types of injuries among high school students who participate in sports. Concussions, growth plate injuries, and overuse conditions such as tendonitis can also occur from running, pivoting, and physical contact.
At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, our surgeon, Dr. Charles Ruotolo, carefully evaluates your symptoms, injury history, and activity level to identify the exact cause of your pain. He may also use advanced diagnostic testing to confirm the diagnosis. Based on these findings, he creates a personalized treatment plan and provides follow-up care to support a safe return to sports. Call 855-321-6784 to book an appointment at Massapequa.
What Injuries Do High School Athletes Commonly Experience?
High school athletes most commonly suffer concussions or traumatic brain injuries. In fact, NIH research reports that over 300,000 concussions occur annually during sports and recreational activities. Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that concussions are 13 times more likely to occur during competitions than practices. Growth plate injuries and catastrophic injuries such as severe head and neck damage also occur in contact sports.
Beyond these injuries, acute conditions can affect young athletes. According to an HSS safety analysis, non-fatal catastrophic injuries occur at a rate of more than one per 100,000 athletic exposures. Bone stress injuries are also among the most common overuse injuries in young athletes. In fact, research published in ScienceDirect found that these injuries affect up to 20% of adolescents. The study also reported that the tibia is the most frequently affected bone, accounting for 19% to 54% of all bone stress injuries. These injuries most often occur in athletes aged 15 to 25.
Moreover, according to the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study, athletic trainers reported 15,531 injuries during 6,778,209 athletic exposures (one athlete participating in one practice or competition). The study found an overall rate of 2.29 injuries per 1,000 athletic exposures, with the highest risk in football, girls’ soccer, and boys’ wrestling. Research also found that the following injuries occur most frequently among high school athletes:
- Head and Face Injuries: Nearly 24.2% of reported injuries involve the head and face.
- Ankle Injuries: Ankle injuries account for 17.6% of sports injuries and often occur during running, jumping, and landing.
- Knee Injuries: Knee injuries account for 14.1% of sports injuries, particularly in sports that involve sudden direction changes.
Why Are Young Athletes More Prone to Sports Injuries?
Young athletes are at high risk of sports injuries because their growth plates (developing areas of bone) are softer and less resistant to stress than mature bone. As a result, repetitive activity can place excessive strain on these areas and increase the risk of conditions such as Osgood-Schlatter disease. Year-round participation in a single sport can also place repeated stress on the same muscles, tendons, and joints. Over time, this repetitive loading can increase the risk of youth stress fractures, tendonitis, and other overuse injuries, such as:
- Sever’s Disease: Heel pain caused by stress on the growth plate at the back of the heel.
- Shin Splints: Pain along the shinbone caused by repetitive running or jumping.
- Stress Fractures: Small cracks in the bone caused by repeated loading over time.
- Rotator Cuff Tendonitis: Overuse injury affecting the shoulder tendons.
- Osgood-Schlatter Disease: Irritation of the growth plate just below the kneecap.
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Pain around the kneecap caused by repetitive knee stress.
Do Growth Plates Increase Injury Risk During Adolescence?
Yes, soft growth plates (developing areas of bone) increase the risk of injuries among young athletes. In fact, a PubMed scoping review of 30 studies found that growth-related injuries peaked during the adolescent growth spurt, especially in athletes experiencing rapid increases in height and lower-limb length. This happens because growth plates are the last parts of bones to ossify and cannot handle stress during sports activities. Moreover, rapid growth can create imbalances between bones, muscles, and tendons, which increases the risk of inflammation or fractures. If left untreated, growth plate injuries can lead to permanent damage, bone deformity, and long-term growth problems.
What Are the Signs of Overuse Injuries in Teen Athletes?
You may notice persistent pain in a specific area and swelling that develops during or after activity. You may also observe limping, changes in movement patterns, or a decline in athletic performance. As the condition progresses, stiffness and a reduced range of motion can affect the injured joint or limb. In some cases, ongoing symptoms may lead to Little League shoulder or other complications, such as:
- Tenderness on Touch: Pain when pressing on a specific muscle, tendon, ligament, or bone.
- Redness or Warmth: Increased warmth or discoloration around the affected area.
- Pain at Rest: Discomfort that continues even when you are not participating in sports.
- Muscle Weakness: Reduced strength in the affected arm or leg.
- Poor Recovery After Exercise: Symptoms that persist longer than expected after training or competition.
Which High School Sports Have the Highest Injury Rates?
Football, girls’ soccer, and boys’ wrestling report some of the highest injury rates among high school sports. Basketball, volleyball, and cheerleading also account for a substantial number of sports-related injuries each year. Beyond that, baseball and softball contribute to both acute and overuse injuries during practices and competitions. Here is how the physical demands of each sport contribute to specific injuries:
Football
Health Sciences Research Commonsinjury data found that football has the highest injury rate at 3.96 per 1,000 athlete exposures. The sport involves frequent tackling, blocking, and player-to-player contact that increases injury risk. According to the CDC report, football also has the highest concussion rate among high school sports. As a result, players commonly experience sprains, fractures, concussions, and other contact-related injuries.
Girls’ Soccer
Quick direction changes, jumping, and player contact in soccer increase stress on the knees and lower extremities. As a result, athletes in girls’ sports face a higher risk of ACL tears, ankle injuries, and other lower-body conditions throughout the season. In fact, research published in the National Library of Medicine found that girls’ soccer has an injury rate of 2.65 per 1,000 AEs. Similarly, the Healthy Sports Index reported that ACL injuries among girls increased by 59% in recent years. In addition, girls’ soccer averages 7.1 concussions per 10,000 exposures, which often require prompt medical evaluation and proper recovery management.
Baseball and Softball
According to the National Safety Council, baseball and softball accounted for 47,221 injuries among individuals aged 15 to 24 in 2024. Another NIH research on high school baseball and softball players found that softball had a higher overall injury rate than baseball. The study reported 5.6 injuries per 1,000 athlete exposures in softball, compared with 4.0 in baseball. Most injuries affected the upper extremity, especially the shoulder and arm, because players repeatedly throw, pitch, and field during the season.
Cheerleading
Cheerleading also has a high risk for catastrophic injuries. These injuries often occur during stunts, tumbling, and aerial maneuvers. Falls from height can result in more severe injuries, including head, neck, or spinal trauma. Because of these risks, proper coaching, spotter support, and correct technique are essential for athlete safety. Athletes should also progress skills gradually and avoid attempting advanced stunts without proper training and supervision.
Basketball
The National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study found that basketball (both girls’ and boys’) accounted for 169,904 injuries. Rapid cutting, jumping, and landing create constant stress on the knees, ankles, and fingers throughout the game. As a result, ankle sprains, knee injuries, and jammed fingers rank among the most frequently reported injuries. Research published in the Journal of Athletic Training also found that girls’ basketball players experience a higher risk of concussion than boys.
Boys’ Wrestling
According to the Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library, boys’ wrestling reports 2.36 injuries per 1,000 athlete-exposures. Research also found that 9.6% of cases require surgery. As a result, some athletes face lengthy rehabilitation before they can safely return to competition. In addition, many injuries affect the knees, shoulders, and head, which can extend recovery time and limit participation during the season.
Volleyball
According to the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study, girls’ volleyball reported an overall injury rate of 1.34 injuries per 1,000 athlete exposures during the 2018–2019 school year. These injuries often occur during jumping, landing, and repeated overhead movements throughout the sports season. Research from the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine also found that indoor volleyball has higher injury rates than beach volleyball, particularly for knee injuries and concussions. In contrast, beach volleyball players experience more abdominal strains and often require longer recovery periods after injury.
When Should You Visit a Sports Medicine Specialist?
You should consult our sports medicine specialist, Dr. Charles Ruotolo, if you experience severe pain, a popping sound, a suspected fracture, or difficulty bearing weight. You should also seek medical attention if you experience pain or visible joint swelling for more than three weeks, despite conservative treatment such as rest or ice. Without prompt treatment, these symptoms can lead to ongoing joint damage, delayed recovery, and difficulty returning to sports or daily activities.
In addition, you should schedule an evaluation with our orthopedic specialist, Dr. Charles Ruotolo, if you notice any of the following warning signs:
- Severe Bruising: Excessive warmth or skin discoloration around a joint.
- Joint Instability: The joint feels loose, gives way, locks, or clicks during movement.
- Neurological Symptoms: Tingling, numbness, or loss of sensation in the affected area.
- Visible Deformity: An abnormal bone position, severe tenderness, or pain with movement.
- Rapidly Increasing Pain: Severe pain that worsens quickly over a short period.
- Loss of Consciousness: Passing out after a sports-related injury.
- Concussion Symptoms: Headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, or difficulty concentrating after a brain injury.
- Limited Joint Movement: Difficulty bending, straightening, or moving the joint normally.
How Are Sports Injuries Diagnosed?
A sports medicine doctor reviews your medical history and performs a detailed physical examination to identify the source of the injury. During the assessment, they ask about your symptoms, activity level, and the mechanism of injury (how the injury occurred). They also evaluate pain levels, joint stability, numbness, weakness, and any previous injuries that may affect recovery.
Moreover, they examine the injured area for swelling, bruising, tenderness, limited range of motion, muscle weakness, or signs of nerve involvement. However, if the physical examination cannot determine the full extent of the injury, your healthcare providers may recommend imaging tests, such as:
- X-Rays: Identify fractures, bone chips, and joint dislocations.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Detects muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and soft tissue tears.
- Ultrasound: Produces real-time images of tendons and muscles to assess tendonitis and muscle injuries.
- CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Creates detailed cross-sectional images that help evaluate complex fractures that are difficult to assess with standard X-rays.
What Non-Surgical Treatments Are Effective for Teen Athletes?
Our surgeon, Dr. Charles Ruotolo, may recommend R.I.C.E. therapy (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) and guided exercises for sports injuries in teen athletes. He also guides targeted joint immobilization and neuromuscular training to strengthen the muscles that support the injured joint. These approaches help reduce pain, control swelling, and protect the injured area during the early stages of recovery.
In addition, bracing, taping, or splinting may provide extra stability, improve function, and lower the risk of reinjury. In severe cases, Dr. Charles Ruotolo may recommend the following advanced regenerative and rehabilitation treatments to support healing:
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP therapy uses the athlete’s own blood platelets to support healing in injured tendons, ligaments, and muscles. In fact, research in Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine studied PRP injections in athletes aged 11 to 17 with grade 2 ACL injuries. The study reported improvements in pain and knee function after treatment. In addition, 83.3% of athletes returned to sports within 1 month of receiving the injection.
Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)
BMAC delivers concentrated stem cells and growth factors directly to injured joints, ligaments, or tendons. During the procedure, the doctor numbs the treatment area to collect a small sample of bone marrow from the hip or tibia (shinbone). Then, the sample is centrifuged to concentrate stem cells and platelets that support tissue repair. After preparation, the doctor uses ultrasound or X-ray guidance to place the concentrated solution precisely into the injured area to promote healing.
Alpha-2-Macroglobulin (A2M) Injections
Unlike regenerative injections, A2M injections target inflammation within the joint. This treatment blocks enzymes that contribute to cartilage breakdown after injury. It may also reduce joint irritation and help protect healthy cartilage from traumatic joint injuries, such as:
- Meniscus Tears
- Ankle Sprains
- Shoulder Labral Tears
- Post-Traumatic Joint Inflammation
- Early Joint Degeneration
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
Doctors often use ESWT for persistent Achilles or patellar tendon injuries. ESWT uses acoustic waves (high-energy sound waves) to stimulate healing in chronic injury sites. These waves improve local blood flow and encourage tissue repair. In addition, the treatment may reduce pain associated with tendon conditions. In fact, an NIH research involving 384 patients found significant improvements in pain, function, and quality of life after shockwave treatment. The study evaluated patients with the following conditions:
- Elbow Tendinopathy
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
At the 4-week follow-up, the researchers reported improvements of at least 2 points on a 5-point scale immediately after treatment. As a result, many athletes can return to rehabilitation exercises with greater comfort and improved movement.
Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training
During BFR training, specialized medical cuffs partially restrict blood flow while the athlete performs low-load exercises. This approach helps build muscle strength without placing excessive stress on healing joints or ligaments. At the same time, it reduces muscle loss during recovery. As a result, athletes can regain function while protecting the injured area.
Trigger Point Dry Needling
Our surgeon, Dr. Charles Ruotolo, may recommend dry needling when muscle tightness limits movement or contributes to ongoing discomfort. During this procedure, he inserts thin needles into specific trigger points (tight muscle knots) within the affected muscles. This approach helps release muscle tension and improve flexibility in the treated area. Dry needling also reduces stress on nearby joints and improves overall movement patterns.
Neurocognitive Rehabilitation Training
Beyond physical recovery, neurocognitive rehabilitation retrains the brain and body to coordinate during sports activities. This approach combines movement drills with visual and decision-making tasks. As a result, athletes improve reaction time, coordination, and body control. These improvements may lower reinjury rates when returning to competitive sports.
When Is Surgery Necessary for High School Injuries?
A sports medicine doctor often recommends surgery for complete ligament tears, displaced fractures, or other injuries incurred during athletic activities that result in significant joint instability. They may also recommend surgery when symptoms persist despite conservative treatments such as bracing, activity modification, or immobilization. In these cases, surgery can restore stability, repair damaged structures, and help athletes safely return to sports and daily activities.
What Is the Recovery Timeline for Common Sports Injuries?
Minor muscle strains often heal within 1 to 3 weeks, while tendon tears may require 2 to 4 months of recovery. In contrast, severe injuries such as ACL tears, complex meniscus injuries, shoulder instability, or displaced fractures that require surgical repair can demand 6 to 12 months of rehabilitation. However, the overall recovery timeline may vary depending on the following factors:
- Age and Fitness Level: Younger athletes and children with better overall fitness often heal more quickly.
- Early Medical Attention: Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and support recovery.
- Return-to-Sport Progression: Gradually increasing activity levels helps protect healing tissues from reinjury.
- Previous Injuries: A history of injuries in the same area may slow recovery and increase the risk of recurrence.
- Overall Health: Underlying medical conditions can affect the body’s ability to repair damaged tissue.
- Nutrition and Rest: Adequate protein, vitamins, and quality sleep help accelerate tissue repair.
How Can High School Athletes Reduce The Risk of Injury?
To prevent sports injuries, you should follow proper warm-up routines and maintain sport-specific strength training. You should also wear well-fitted protective equipment, stay hydrated, and replace damaged gear that no longer fits correctly. Other than that, athletes should rest if symptoms persist after an injury. These strategies help protect the body from excessive stress, support ACL prevention, and lower the risk of overuse injuries.
Moreover, proper conditioning helps improve flexibility and movement patterns during sports. In fact, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports that proper conditioning can prevent many high school sports injuries. Beyond that, understanding the rules of the game and practicing good sportsmanship can further reduce the risk of injury during competition.
Can Coaches and Parents Support Injury Prevention?
Yes, coaches and parents help reduce the risk of sports injuries in young athletes. For example, coaches or athletic trainers teach proper techniques, implement warm-up routines, and allow adequate recovery between practices and competitions. Parents also support injury prevention by providing properly fitted protective equipment and encouraging participation in more than one sport rather than a single sport year-round. These steps can reduce stress on developing muscles, bones, and joints while lowering the risk of overuse injuries.
Book an Appointment with Dr. Charles Ruotolo for Sports Injury Treatment in Massapequa!
Persistent pain after an injury can limit your ability to play sports. You may worry about missing games, losing progress, or spending time away from your team during recovery. Without proper treatment, ongoing damage can increase the risk of reinjury and further delay your return to sports.
As a Member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), our surgeon, Dr. Charles Ruotolo, at Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, uses evidence-based treatment methods for sports injuries. Before you return to play, he also assesses your progress and sport-specific demands to reduce the risk of reinjury. Moreover, we provide secure online access for recovery instructions to support healing. Call 855-321-6784 or visit our clinic for personalized treatment.
FAQs
Does Playing Multiple Sports Reduce Injury Risk?
Yes, playing more than one sport can reduce injury risk. Different sports place stress on different muscles and joints, which lowers the chance of overuse injuries. It also promotes more balanced physical development, reduces burnout, and supports healthier long-term participation in sports.
What Is Sports Specialization And Can It Cause Injuries?
Sports specialization is intensive year-round training in a single sport. This repeated activity can place extra stress on joints and muscles, increasing the risk of overuse injuries. In younger athletes, this stress can affect growth areas and contribute to conditions such as Little League Elbow.
How Important Is Warm-up Before Sports?
Warming up before sports prepares your body for the physical demands of activity and reduces injury risk. It increases blood flow, improves muscle flexibility, and supports smoother joint movement before exercise begins. As a result, athletes often experience improved balance, coordination, reaction time, and mental focus during competition.
Can Previous Sports Injuries Increase The Risk Of Reinjury?
Yes, athletes with a previous muscle or joint injury face a higher risk of reinjury. This happens because weakness, scar tissue, and incomplete healing can reduce strength and place extra stress on the injured area. Beyond this, persistent changes in nerve-muscle communication can affect balance, coordination, and reaction time.
How Often Should High School Athletes Take Rest Days?
You should take 1 to 2 complete rest days each week from organized sports. You should also take 2 to 3 months off from any single sport each year to reduce the risk of injuries. This recovery time allows your body to heal, restore energy, and support athletic development.
