Patient resources

Many athletes actively seek changes in body weight in hopes of improving athletic performance. In some sports, such as wrestling, gymnastics, dancing, and running, athletes and coaches associate optimal performance with a relatively low body

The calcaneal apophysis is a growth center where the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia attach to the heel. It first appears in children aged 7 to 8 years. By ages 12 to 14 years the growth center matures and fuses to the heel bone.

Running, as a sport, can involve a number of different forms, including the following:

Rowing is a lifelong, year-round sport that requires dedication and intense training. Rowing on the water, an ergometer, and indoor water tanks along with weight training and running are integral parts of training. In high school and college

There are many benefits of regular physical activity; however, people often have many excuses for not being more physically active. The following is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics encouraging families to consider all the benefits of being physically active and how to overcome some

Racquet sports (tennis, racquetball, squash, badminton, and paddle tennis) are sports of speed and agility and involve athletes of all ages.

Physical activity is important for everyone in the family. The following is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics summarizing the FITT method and includes general fitness tips and an activity log.

The most effective way young athletes can improve their sports performance is to pay close attention to the basics: fluids, calories, training, conditioning, and rest. Shortcuts, such as the use of performance-enhancing substances and supplements, are of little benefit and are potentially damaging to

Osgood-Schlatter is a common condition in young athletes that refers to irritation of a growth plate at the knee. It typically occurs in active teens during their growth spurt and resolves after the bone stops growing.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is one of the most common causes of knee pain in young athletes. The condition is an overuse injury that results from activities that cause pressure or friction on the cartilage behind the kneecap. Patellofemoral

Young athletes often try special diets and supplements to improve their athletic performance. However, many of these products do not live up to their claims to increase strength, speed, and athletic skills. Athletes should focus instead on following

More than 6 million children in the United States participate in martial arts. Martial arts are known to improve social skills, discipline, and respect in children. Children can also improve their abilities to concentrate and focus on activities,

Lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. It’s both a contact (boys) and noncontact (girls) sport. Injuries differ between the contact game of boys’ lacrosse (body contact and stick checking allowed) and the noncontact

Little League elbow is a common overuse injury associated with throwing. This injury is most common in pitchers but also occurs in catchers, infielders, and outfielders.

Sports readiness means that a child has the physical, mental, and social skills to meet the demands of the sport. While general guidelines can help you select a sport based on age, it’s important to remember that children develop at different