High school sports injuries are unfortunately always possible. But they do not have to end a season or a career. Parents want three things: quick and accurate diagnosis, safe recovery, and a return-to-sport plan that reduces re-injury risk. At Academy Orthopedics in West Orange, Dr. Peter Goljan specializes in sports-related injuries and works closely with families, athletic trainers, and physical therapists In West Orange, and elsewhere in Essex County, to ensure teens return to play safely and stronger than before. This guide explains the most common injuries, red flags for parents, prevention tips, and how Dr. Goljan and Academy Orthopedics manage evaluation, treatment, and return to sport.
What injuries should parents expect in high-school athletes?
High-school athletes most frequently experience sprains and strains, ankle injuries, knee injuries (including ACL and meniscus tears), shoulder overuse or instability, and growth-plate issues in younger teens. Contact and pivot-sports (football, soccer, basketball) and year-round single-sport specialization often carry higher risk. Knowing which injuries are likely helps parents spot trouble early and seek timely care. Data reviews of adolescent sports injuries highlight knees, ankles, and shoulders as the most common trouble spots and show that sport type and sudden increases in training load are key risk factors. If your teen has a traumatic injury with swelling, a “pop,” or ongoing instability, it’s appropriate to contact Dr. Peter Goljan at Academy Orthopedics in West Orange for prompt evaluation.
Injury Statistics:
- Sprains/Strains: 36.8%
- Concussions: 21.6%
- Fractures: 3.5%
- Contusions (bruises) ~ 3.1%
- Other/Unspecified: ~35.0%
Red flags: When West Orange parents should see a sports medicine doctor right away.
Call Academy Orthopedics in West Orange if your teen has:
- A loud pop at injury followed by immediate swelling and inability to bear weight (possible ACL or fracture).
- Persistent instability (knee feels like it gives out).
- Numbness, loss of function, or visible deformity (possible fracture or tendon rupture).
- Concussion signs – confusion, loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, worsening headache, or balance/vision problems – which require immediate medical assessment.
- Injuries that don’t improve after 1-2 weeks of conservative care (ice, rest, modified activity).
Early specialist evaluation speeds accurate diagnosis (imaging if needed) and gets the right plan in motion, whether that’s rehab with a West Orange physical therapist or a surgical discussion with Dr. Peter Goljan.
Immediate at-home care parents should know (the first 72 hours)
- Follow RICE/PRICE initially – protect the area, rest or modify activity, apply ice, compress with an elastic wrap, and elevate.
- Limit activity but avoid complete deconditioning – short, guided movement can prevent stiffness.
- Control pain and swelling with acetaminophen or NSAIDs (check dosing with your pediatrician).
- Document the injury – note the mechanism, time, symptoms (pop, swelling), and take photos if visible deformity. This helps Dr. Peter Goljan and the Academy Orthopedics team assess urgency when you call.
For concussions, follow school and athletic trainer protocols and contact your pediatrician and Academy Orthopedics if symptoms persist or worsen.
Prevention strategies every West Orange parent should insist on
Parents can reduce injury risk before the season by focusing on:
- Preseason neuromuscular training (NMT) – targeted programs reduce ACL risk and improve balance/landing mechanics, especially for female athletes. Encourage your teen’s coach to implement NMT warm-ups.
- Avoid early sport specialization – playing multiple sports reduces overuse injuries and promotes balanced development.
- Appropriate load progression – don’t ramp up training time or intensity too fast. Monitor for persistent soreness or poor sleep.
- Proper equipment & footwear – make sure cleats, helmets, and pads fit and are sport-appropriate.
Strength & conditioning – a year-round program emphasizing core, hip, and posterior chain strength lowers injury risk. Academy Orthopedics – West Orange partners with local PTs to create sport-specific programs aligned with these guidelines.
Treatment pathways at Academy Orthopedics in West Orange with Dr. Peter Goljan
Step 1 – Rapid evaluation: If you call Academy Orthopedics in West Orange, you’ll typically get a focused exam, and when indicated, imaging (X-ray or MRI). Dr. Peter Goljan evaluates the injury in the context of the teen’s sport and season goals.
Step 2 – Nonoperative care first (when appropriate): Many sprains, strains, and mild meniscal issues recover with a program of structured physical therapy, proprioceptive training, and a graded return-to-sport plan. Academy Orthopedics coordinates with West Orange physical therapy providers to deliver targeted rehab and functional testing.
Step 3 – When surgery is needed: For structural injuries (complete ACL tears, displaced fractures, certain tendon ruptures), Dr. Peter Goljan discusses options (repair vs. reconstruction), expected timeline, and return-to-sport benchmarks. Surgical techniques and graft choices are tailored to the teen athlete to minimize reinjury risk and preserve long-term knee health. Evidence supports individualized graft/graft-tunnel decisions and focused post-op rehab to optimize outcomes.
Step 4 – Return-to-sport testing: Academy Orthopedics uses objective strength and functional tests before clearing athletes, not just time-based rules, to reduce re-injury risk and protect the athlete’s future performance.
FAQ for parents (quick answers)
Q: How soon can my teen return after an ankle sprain?
A: Minor sprains may return in days to weeks with rehab; severe sprains need longer and specialist evaluation if instability continues
Q: Should my teen see Dr. Peter Goljan or their pediatrician first?
A: For clear deformity, neurologic signs, suspected fracture, or inability to bear weight contact Academy Orthopedics (Dr. Peter Goljan) or ER. For mild sprains, start with your pediatrician and call Academy Orthopedics if no improvement.
Q: Do concussions require specialist care?
A: Yes, persistent symptoms need assessment; Academy Orthopedics coordinates with concussion clinics and school ATs for safe return-to-learn and play.
When a sports injury threatens your teen’s season, don’t wait. For expert, family-centered sports injury care in West Orange, call Academy Orthopedics and ask for Dr. Peter Goljan. Whether it’s prompt diagnosis, a conservative rehab plan, or a surgical pathway to safely return to sport, Dr. Goljan and the West Orange team are ready to help. Call Academy Orthopedics in West Orange at (973) 446-7500 or visit the West Orange office to request an appointment.
