Pediatric Sports Medicine

What is pediatric sports medicine?

Pediatric Sports medicine focuses on evaluating, treating, and helping to prevent injuries that happen during sports or physical activities. As a highly-trained pediatric orthopaedic surgeon and former athlete himself, Dr. Koenig specializes in caring for sports-related injuries in children. However, he and his team treat patients of all ages and welcome anyone who still feels young at heart!

Without an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment, childhood sports injuries can lead to long-term problems such as arthritis, down the road. Your child may want to continue playing their sport after an injury, but it’s important to take them to see Dr. Koenig and his team as soon as possible. 

Why would my child need a pediatric sports medicine specialist?

Dr. Koenig and his team provide highly individualized care for a broad spectrum of sports injuries, including:

Ligament tears

Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect bone to bone. When ligaments endure too much pressure, they can stretch and tear. Ankle sprains are some of the most common ligament injuries. Many kids and teens who play sports also tear the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in their knee.

Cartilage injuries

Cartilage is the slippery, rubbery cushioning at the ends of bones. One of the most prevalent cartilage injuries to affect the knee is a meniscus tear. A torn meniscus can happen at the same time as an ACL tear, especially during physically demanding sports like football, soccer, and basketball.

Overuse injuries

Overuse injuries result from repetitive activities that put too much stress on a joint. Pitcher’s shoulder and stress fractures are examples of common overuse injuries. 

As a result of participation in sports, Dr. Koenig and his team see many teenage patients who suffer from chronic overuse injuries that rarely develop in young people.

What does a sports medicine visit entail?

To diagnose a sports injury, Dr. Koenig begins with a physical exam. He asks you or your child to describe how the injury occurred and what symptoms they experience, such as pain, limited movement, or a popping/clicking sound. Dr. Koenig’s office is fully equipped with a digital X-ray for convenient, on-site diagnostic imaging. 

After the exam, Dr. Koenig develops an individualized treatment plan. He always begins treatment with the most conservative measures possible, such as bracing or physical therapy. His non-operative sports injury management has helped many kids avoid surgery. 

If conservative treatments don’t work, Dr. Koenig is well-trained in the surgical management of sports injuries. He uses minimally invasive techniques to treat his patients whenever possible. 

For high-quality pediatric sports medicine care, call the office of Jonathan H. Koenig, MD, or request an appointment online today.