Sports specialization is leading to a rise in the number of injuries in youth athletes, according to The Greeley Tribune.
Here are five things to know:
1. The number of sports-related injuries in youth sports has quintupled in the past 15 years.
2. Specialization in one sport leads to sport-specific injuries such as Little League elbow or swimmer's shoulder.
3. Some experts believe children aged 12 to 14 should not be participating in one single sport year-round and should stress different parts of their body during their growth and maturation stages.
4. Many communities are implementing recreational programs to advocate for less competition. Various programs such as the recreational program in Greeley, Colo., have minimal overuse injuries.
5. Coaches can reduce overuse injuries by following the suggested guidelines for limiting athletes' action.
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