As a parent, you most likely want the best for your child, so you make sure they eat well, get plenty of sleep, and exercise whenever possible. In many cases, you will allow your teen to participate in sports and hobbies that improve their physical and emotional health while increasing their social skills, as well. Unfortunately, your teenager child is still growing, so they may experience various aches and pains while participating in athletics. While normal in most cases, certain issues and ailments may stem from an underlying issue that should be addressed by a doctor. If your teen athlete is experiencing one or more of the following issues, it is time to consult an orthopedist:

Frequent Lower Back Pain

Again, certain sports, especially high-contact sports such as wrestling and football, will cause your teenager some pain and discomfort at times. However, if your teen is experiencing pain in their lower back regularly, it may indicate a more serious issue.

Spondylolysis is common in teens between the ages of 10 and 15. This structural injury of the spine occurs while playing high impact sports. Teens involved in gymnastics, dancing, skating, soccer, and hockey may also develop a spinal injury because they are constantly flexing, extending, and rotating.

Ankle Swelling and Discomfort

Ankle sprains are more common than most people believe. In addition, these sprains can occur without displaying any signs of symptoms.

Teens who are constantly placing stress on the ankle while playing or during a game or practice may twist the ankle, straining the ligaments without realizing it. If your teen continues playing while the ligaments have stretched, they may tear, resulting in a more severe ankle sprain.

Even if your teen is not complaining of pain or discomfort, pay attention to their ankle. If there is any swelling or redness, consider visiting an orthopedist to determine if your teen should rest the ankle for a period of time.

Knee Popping and Swelling

A meniscus tear is also a common injury that occurs in teen athletes. While most common during football and soccer because of the high impact and constant rotating of the knee, meniscus tears can occur during a variety of sports and activities.

The meniscus is a set of cartilage that rests between the femur and tibia. The cartilage pieces act as shock absorbers. When your teen uses their knee joint excessively while playing sports, the meniscus can stretch. Over time, this stretching can lead to a tear, which causes an actual popping of the knee.

If your teen's knee joint is popping and causing them some discomfort and swelling, visit a doctor immediately. Without treatment, your teen will begin experiencing severe pain and immobility issues.

Athletics are a great way to help your teen stay healthy and happy, but you must focus on their physical health when they are involved in sports. This guide will help you determine when it is time for your teen to see a specialist. Check out a website like http://advancedphysicaltherapyofsj.com/ for more information and assistance.