Youth Inc. Recommends: Information and Resources for Overuse Injuries

Youth sports are demanding more than ever—from longer seasons to year-round play—and young bodies are paying the price. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, nearly half of all youth sports injuries are from overuse, not contact. These include shin splints, stress fractures, tendinitis—and one of the most devastating injuries of all: the ACL tear. Especially common in girls, ACL injuries are rising at alarming rates and are often linked to muscle imbalances and repetitive strain that build up over time. 

Preventing these injuries requires more than just rest—it takes education, smart training, and an awareness of the risks before symptoms show up. To help, we’ve pulled together three of the most important and accessible resources for parents, coaches, and athletes. 

Overuse Injuries, Overtraining, and Burnout in Young Athletes  

What it is: This is a comprehensive clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics—basically, the go-to reference for doctors when it comes to understanding overuse injuries, overtraining, and burnout in young athletes. While it’s not a quick read, it’s packed with research-based insights, including common injuries by sport, risk factors like early specialization, and even things like how sleep and stress can increase injury risk. 

Why we like it: If you want to really understand what’s going on with the rise in overuse injuries, this is the resource. It’s evidence-based, updated with the latest research, and offers clear takeaways for parents, coaches, and doctors. It also shines a light on the why behind so many injuries we're seeing in youth sports today—and how to actually prevent them with smart, thoughtful approaches. Definitely worth bookmarking. 

Overuse Injuries are an Epidemic in Youth Sports

What it is: A parent-focused deep dive into how overuse injuries have quietly become one of the most urgent problems in youth sports. With expert insights from Dr. Jennifer Beck, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, the article breaks down why so many young athletes are getting hurt—and how these injuries often start small but can lead to lasting consequences. 

Why we like it: This piece doesn’t just throw out stats—it tells the story behind them. It helps parents understand why things like year-round play, early specialization, and ignoring minor pain are driving this “epidemic.” It’s packed with real examples, expert advice, and thoughtful reminders that our kids’ health has to come before performance. It’s an eye-opener, especially for parents who feel stuck between wanting their child to keep up and knowing something might not be right. 

‘These Kids Are Ticking Time Bombs’: The Threat of Youth Basketball

What it is: An investigative piece by ESPN’s Baxter Holmes that looks at the alarming rise of overuse injuries in youth basketball. Drawing from NBA team doctors, athletic trainers, and sports science experts, the piece explores how the youth basketball system is pushing kids beyond their physical limits—often before they even hit high school. 

Why we like it: This article doesn’t just highlight the problem—it shows what’s at stake. You hear directly from NBA insiders who are seeing young prospects show up to the league already broken down, with long injury histories from years of nonstop play. The stories are powerful, the quotes are blunt, and the takeaway is clear: we’re treating kids like pros before their bodies are ready. If you want to understand the long-term risks of overtraining and early specialization—this article lays it out, no filter.