Child Health A-Z

Muscle and Joint Injuries

Children often injure muscles and joints while running, playing, climbing, or during sports activities. A sprain occurs when ligaments, the bands of tissue that hold bones together, are stretched or torn. A strain occurs when the muscle-tendon unit is over-stretched or torn. Tendons help hold muscles and bones together. Sprains and strains can cause pain, swelling, and sometimes result in inability to move the joint. Ankle sprains are the most common type of sports injury. Many times minor sprains and strains can be treated at home. At other times, a proper medical evaluation and treatment is needed.

There are many different types of muscle and joint injuries that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview.

Last Update
February 3, 2008