Overuse injuries in the pediatric and adolescent athlete.

A growing number of pediatric orthopedic patients fall into two dissimilar groups: the obese patient with problems related to obesity, and the young athlete injured during sports. While there is widespread recognition of pediatric orthopedic diseases related to obesity, the injuries resulting from "overuse" or over participation in sports are less understood and recognized. The majority of athletes involved in team sports in the Unites States are grade school and interscholastic athletes. The motivation for participation in sports varies greatly. Young athletes at risk for injury include the reluctant athlete who is not in the aerobic condition necessary to participate in sports, the eager athlete who initiates participation too vigorously, and the ambitious athlete who chronically "overtrains".