Sports injuries are common in children and teens — sprains, strains, fractures, and bumps often come with being active. Usually, with the right care and enough rest, children bounce back quickly. But sometimes, recovery doesn’t follow the “normal” timeline. Weeks, or even months later, your child may still complain of pain, avoid movement, or struggle to return to the activities they love.
Is this still part of healing, or is something else going on?
Persistent pain after a sports injury can be confusing and worrying for parents. This guide explores why some injuries don’t heal as expected, what lingering pain may mean, and what can be done to support recovery.
What Is Persistent Pain After Injury?
In most cases, injuries heal within weeks to months. However, for some children, danger signals continue long after the tissues have repaired. This is because the nervous system — the body’s alarm system — remains on “high alert.”
Normally, once the injury heals, the alarm should switch off. But sometimes it doesn’t. Instead, the nerves and brain keep sending pain messages, even though the original injury has resolved. This phenomenon is called pain sensitisation, and it’s real — not imagined, not exaggerated, and not a sign that a child is “overreacting.”
Why Do Some Injuries Take Longer to Heal?
Several factors may contribute to lingering pain after an injury:
- Nervous system changes: The body’s alarm system gets “stuck” in high alert mode.
- Repetitive or complex injuries: Post-fracture pain, post-surgery pain, or repetitive strain injuries may be harder to resolve.
- Growth-related vulnerability: Growing joints and tissues can make children more sensitive to ongoing irritation.
- Certain conditions: Problems such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or nerve-related pain can develop after injury.
Common Signs of Persistent Pain
Parents may notice:
- Pain lasting longer than 2–3 months after the injury.
- Pain even when scans or x-rays appear normal.
- Worsening symptoms after activity rather than improvement.
- Swelling, colour changes, or unusual sensitivity in the affected area.
- Avoidance of sport, exercise, or weight-bearing.
- Emotional changes such as frustration, low mood, or anxiety.
- Sleep disruption due to ongoing pain.
These signs suggest it may no longer be a “healing injury” but instead a nervous system issue that requires a different approach.
How Persistent Pain Is Treated
The good news: children and teens can recover from persistent pain — but treatment usually looks different from traditional “rest and recover” approaches.
1. Rehabilitation and Movement
- Gentle, gradual movement to rebuild confidence in the body.
- Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy programmes focused on flexibility, strength, and safe re-engagement in activity.
2. Nervous System Support
- Approaches that help “reset” pain sensitivity, such as pacing, sensory tools, and desensitisation strategies.
- Pain education to help children and families understand what’s happening.
3. Emotional and Psychological Support
- Addressing anxiety, fear of movement, or low mood that may worsen pain.
- Support from psychologists or occupational therapists experienced in paediatric pain.
4. Medical and Interventional Options
- Medication may be used in some cases to manage inflammation or nerve sensitivity.
- In selected situations, pulsed radiofrequency neuromodulation (PRF) may be considered.
- PRF uses gentle electrical pulses to calm overactive nerves without damaging them, often allowing children to engage in rehabilitation and return to normal life.
Living Well During Recovery
Practical strategies for parents and children include:
- Pacing activity: Balancing rest with gradual return to sport, play or daily activities.
- Tracking symptoms: Writing down when pain flares, what helps, and what worsens symptoms.
- Using supports: Ergonomic aids, or braces may be helpful. The right kind and amount of gentle exercise like swimming or yoga can strengthen muscles.
- Family involvement: Parents can model calm, positive coping strategies to reassure children.
- Mental wellbeing: Supporting social connection, sleep, and stress management.
When to Seek Help
Parents should consult a healthcare provider or pain specialist if:
- Pain lasts longer than expected (more than 2–3 months).
- The pain is worsening or spreading.
- Normal scans do not explain ongoing pain.
- The child is avoiding activity, school, or social interactions.
- Emotional wellbeing is being affected.
Early intervention, even before the 2-3 month mark, with a team experienced in paediatric pain can make a significant difference.
Final Thoughts
Lingering pain after a sports injury can be discouraging and stressful, but it does not mean recovery isn’t possible. Persistent pain is real, but with the right mix of rehabilitation, emotional support, and — when needed — medical or interventional care, most children can regain function and return to the activities they love.
At The Pain Collective, our paediatric pain team works with families to support healing and restore quality of life.
FAQs
Why is my child still in pain months after an injury?
Sometimes the nervous system continues sending danger signals even after the tissues have healed. This is called pain sensitisation.
How do I know if the pain is still from the injury or something else?
If pain persists beyond the usual healing time (6–12 weeks) or worsens without clear cause, it may be persistent pain rather than an unhealed injury.
Can children recover from persistent pain?
Yes — with an integrated approach addressing body, brain, and emotional wellbeing, most children improve significantly.
What is pulsed radiofrequency (PRF)?
PRF is a minimally invasive procedure that helps calm overactive nerves using gentle electrical pulses. It does not damage nerves and can support recovery.
When should I take my child to a specialist?
If pain lasts beyond 6 weeks, affects daily life, or is associated with swelling, colour changes, or fear of movement, it’s time to see a paediatric pain specialist.