On Jan. 8, LuskinOIC was filled with laughter, creativity, and sweet treats during a special event hosted in partnership with Project Sunshine and Baskin-Robbins.
Children and families enjoyed a fun afternoon of hands-on arts and crafts led by Project Sunshine and Baskin-Robbins volunteers, creating a welcoming space for creativity, play, and connection. To make the day even sweeter, Baskin-Robbins generously provided ice cream, bringing smiles to patients, siblings, and caregivers alike.
Events like this reflect LuskinOIC’s commitment to caring for the whole child by supporting not only physical healing but also joy, emotional well-being, and moments of normalcy during medical visits.
We are grateful to Project Sunshine and Baskin-Robbins for their continued partnership and generosity, as well as to our volunteers and staff who helped make this day memorable for the children and families we serve.
Spring is in full swing and that means baseball and softball season is upon us. While the excitement of the game, and the busy schedules that come with it, might be top of mind for young athletes, it’s the right time to remind them about the importance of injury prevention.
Although baseball and softball aren’t contact sports, several common injuries can arise for youth athletes, often stemming from overuse of muscles and ligaments, improper stretching, or accidents that can lead to sprains, fractures, and concussions.
Here, we’ll share some of the most common baseball and softball injuries to look out for and how to prevent them.
Common Youth Baseball/Softball Sports Injuries
Overuse injuries
Throwing, pitching, swinging a bat, and running are all part of the game, but when done excessively, can lead to overuse injuries. These conditions are caused by repetitive movements without enough warm-up or rest, and often affect shoulders, elbows, arms, knees, or ankles.
Two specific overuse injuries to watch for are Little League Elbow, which affects pitchers by causing pain in the inner side of the elbow, and Little League Shoulder, caused by stress to the arm bone nearest to the shoulder, causing a widening of its growth plate. This results in swelling and pain at the shoulder.
Learn more about various Pediatric Overuse Injuries in our ultimate guide, here.
Sprains and strains
Sprains and strains are two of the most common injuries kids can get while playing sports. A sprain happens when a ligament gets stretched or torn, while a strain happens when a muscle or tendon gets hurt, but either typically happens during activities that involve quick moves, sharp turns, or pushing yourself too hard.
Fractures
From high-speed pitches gone wrong to line-drives when an outfielder isn’t paying attention, fractures can occur in a split second during a game. Broken bones commonly occur in the hands or wrists, but can occur from the ankles to the face if proper precautions aren’t in place.
Concussions
From a fly ball not caught properly to a batter not wearing a helmet during practice, and especially for catchers not wearing the proper protective gear, serious head injuries can occur during the game.
Baseball and Softball Injury Prevention
Remind your young athlete about the importance of safety.
Always warm up before practice or a game. Stretch, run, throw, hit, and stay hydrated.
Consider a physical exam prior to joining a team.
Always wear the proper safety gear, including cleats, helmets, undergarments, and padding for catchers.
Ensure fields are free of safety hazards and are in optimal playing condition.
Prevent overuse injuries by switching out pitchers, by cross-training, and by not playing year-round.
If pain does begin to occur from an overuse injury, see a sports medicine specialist.
If you’re in the Los Angeles area, we recommend an appointment with our Sports Medicine team.
We specialize in helping young athletes get back in the game, whether that’s team sports like soccer or football, individual sports like skateboarding or gymnastics, or PE class in school. Our team of experts tailor treatments to each child’s unique needs, addressing all aspects of our patients’ journey to recovery.
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Knowing When to Seek Care for Your Child: A Guide from LuskinOIC
As a parent, your top priority is keeping your child safe and healthy. But when your child is sick or injured, it can be hard to know what level of care they need. Should you call your pediatrician, visit urgent care, or head straight to the emergency department?
When to Call Your Pediatrician or Visit Urgent Care
For non-emergencies, your child’s pediatrician or a pediatric urgent care center is often the best place to start. If your child’s doctor isn’t available—such as during evenings or weekends—urgent care can provide fast, effective treatment. Contact your pediatrician or visit urgent care if your child has:
A fever lasting more than 3 days
A fever over 102°F for more than 2 days in an infant, without a clear cause
Symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, dry cough, runny nose)
Minor injuries like sprains, strains, or swelling
Cuts that may need stitches
Minor burns
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Bladder or urinary tract infections
Cold symptoms, coughs, or sore throats
Earaches or sinus pain
Skin concerns like rashes or irritation
You may also have access to virtual urgent care for non-emergency issues, allowing your child to be seen by a provider from home. Check if pediatric virtual urgent care services are available in your area.
When to Go to the Emergency Department
If your child is seriously injured or ill—especially if the condition may be life-threatening or needs immediate attention—take them to the emergency department (ED). Seek emergency care if your child:
Is extremely drowsy, hard to wake, or behaving unusually
Is experiencing severe or constant pain
Has trouble breathing, or is breathing rapidly or deeply
Has a suspected broken bone, a visibly deformed limb, or a lot of swelling and pain
Has a deep or large cut, a cut that won’t stop bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure, or a wound on the head, chest, or abdomen
Sustains a head injury that causes vomiting, confusion, a severe headache, or loss of consciousness
Falls from a significant height
Ingests a harmful substance or medication
If your child is alert, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222
If your child is unresponsive, having trouble breathing, or has collapsed, call 911
Is under 2 months old and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher (call your doctor first)
Has a high fever along with a stiff neck or headache
Has a fever along with a widespread purple or red rash
Shows signs of severe dehydration (no wet diapers, sunken eyes, dry mouth, weakness, or inability to drink or respond)
Your child’s health matters. When in doubt, trust your instincts—and don’t hesitate to seek care. LuskinOIC is here to support your family with trusted pediatric expertise every step of the way.
