Playing sports brings joy to many children and teens, as it also teaches valuable life lessons such as teamwork and staying active. However, it also comes with the risk of sports injuries that can impact daily activities. Seeing a pediatric orthopedic specialist is crucial for properly treating sports-related injuries. Pediatric orthopedists are trained to care for growing bodies, helping to minimize pain and prevent long-term issues, while also working to ensure your child can remain active and healthy.

For prompt care, same-day or next-day sports injury appointments can be scheduled by calling (502) 394-5678. Saturday appointments also are available at Norton Children’s Orthopedics of Louisville – Westport Plaza.

Types of Sports Conditions We Treat

We focus on caring for the whole child. We treat children, teens and young adults with orthopedic issues related to playing sports. Some of the more common sports-related conditions we see include:

• Little League elbow (medial epicondyle apophysitis)
• Osgood-Schlatter disease
• Sever’s disease
• Trauma, such as broken bones and overuse injuries
• Knee injuries, such as ACL and meniscus tears, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and patella dislocations

Should I Take My Child to Urgent Care or the ER for a Broken Bone?

If your child experiences an acute injury, such as a severe sprain or broken bone, the sooner they can receive care, the better. Do not wait to make an appointment with a pediatrician; take the child to a facility where they can be seen right away. Pediatricians’ offices usually do not have the ability to properly care for a broken bone, including necessary equipment such as X-rays and tools for splinting an injury, so it’s important to take the child where they can get a diagnosis and care right away.

Pediatricians usually will refer a patient to an immediate care center or emergency room as the first course of action for a child with a bone fracture. Within a few days, it is important to make a follow-up appointment with an orthopedic specialist. At Norton Children’s Orthopedics of Louisville, a pediatric orthopedic specialist can provide the proper treatment plan and monitor the child’s healing process.

If at all possible, try not to move a child with an obviously broken bone. If you are concerned that the injury is severe, call 911.

Urgent Care

Go to an immediate care center if:

• There is severe pain or injury in the small bones of the hands, feet, wrists or ankles
• Injuries are not life-threatening
• The child can put weight on an injured leg or move an injured arm

All Norton Immediate Care Centers have on-site X-ray capability. A Norton Immediate Care Center provider will review images, stabilize the injury and provide a referral, if needed.

Emergency Room

Go to a hospital emergency department if:

• The potential break is in the head, neck, torso, or long bones of the arms or legs
• There is heavy bleeding
• The area is misaligned or deformed
• The break restricts blood flow
• The bone is pushing out of the skin
• The child is unable to move the fingers if the injury is in the arm, or toes if the injury is in the leg

Emergency departments have X-ray equipment and a team of specialists available on-site to provide a medical opinion and further treatment if necessary.

Treatment Options

We understand every child is unique, and so is their path to recovery. Our pediatric orthopedic specialists work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs. Whether it’s conservative care like RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation), physical therapy or a more advanced approach, we’re here every step of the way. If surgery is needed, our team will guide you through the process. Our priority is helping your child return to their active lifestyle with confidence and care.

Why Choose Norton Children’s Orthopedics of Louisville

• Dedicated appointment times in our fracture clinic mean patients with stabilized fractures often see an orthopedist within a few days, even during the busy summer months.
• Offices in Hikes Point and on Westport Road provide easy access to advanced pediatric orthopedic care.
• Advanced multidisciplinary clinics are available. Our pediatric orthopedists work side by side with specialists in neurosciences, urology and other specialties to provide easier scheduling and coordinated care.
• Extremely low-dose imaging for kids with scoliosis and other conditions that require frequent imaging provides high-quality diagnostics at a fraction of the radiation emitted by traditional X-rays.
• Norton Mobility Lab, located on the Norton Healthcare – St. Matthews campus, provides rehabilitation for kids with cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke, incomplete spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis.
• While most kids with orthopedic conditions don’t need surgery, Norton Children’s Hospital is verified as a Level I Children’s Surgery Center by the American College of Surgeons Children’s Surgery Verification (ACS CSV) Quality Improvement Program.
• Medicare, Medicaid and most major commercial insurance plans are accepted.
• Book appointments, get alerts when an earlier appointment becomes available, communicate with your medical provider, refill prescriptions and more through your free Norton MyChart account.