When Young Athletes Hurt: A Practical Approach to Knee Pain, Bone Stress Injuries and Back Pain

1.0 NAPNAP Contact Hour. 

This course is sponsored by NAPNAP's Pediatric Orthopedic Shared Interest Group.

This course includes three modules:

Module 1 - Knee pain in the young athlete - A practical approach to anterior knee pain covering overuse injuries, joint swelling and instability patterns. This course includes evidence-based imaging, decision frameworks and clear clinical criteria for when to refer to orthopedic surgery or sports medicine. 

Module 2 - Bone stress injuries in young athletes - Focused on early recognition of bone stress injuries, identification of high-risk anatomic sites, and an honest appraisal of imaging limitations. This course delivers structured guidance on activity restriction protocols and individualized return-to-sport planning.

Module 3 - Back pain in the young athlete - Covers diagnosis and management, red flag identification, imaging decision pathways, activity restriction recommendations, core rehabilitation principles and return-to-play guidance tailored to the pediatric athlete. 

IMPORTANT: This continuing education activity is offered at a reduced rate to NAPNAP Members. You must be logged in using your NAPNAP Username and Password to be recognized as a Member of NAPNAP.  If you are a current member of NAPNAP, and you are being asked to purchase this activity, please contact the NAPNAP National Office at (877) 662-7627 to request assistance prior to entering any payment information.    

Participants are forbidden to reproduce, republish, redistribute, or resell this course in any other form. For copyright-related questions, please email your question to: [email protected]

Copyright 2026 © by National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners 

This continuing education activity is administered by the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners as an agency providing continuing education credit. individuals who complete this program and earn a 70% or higher score on the post tests will be awarded 1.0 National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners contact hours.

Target Audience

Pediatric-focused advanced practice registered nurses.

Learning Objectives

  • Discuss mechanisms of injury, overuse patterns, can't-miss diagnoses such as osteochondritis dissecans, imaging and return to play. 
  • Review early recognition, high-risk anatomic sites for stress injuries, imaging, relative energy deficiency and disordered eating, and return to running.
  • Identify red flags for structural injury, spondylolysis, imaging strategy and core rehabilitation.
  • Discuss screening for low energy availability, pain-guided progression and skeletal maturity. 

Course summary

Available credit: 
  • 1.00 Contact hours
Course opens: 
09/28/2026
Course expires: 
10/31/2027
Cost:
$20.00
Rating: 
0

Tiana S. Woolridge, MD, MPH, FAAP
Primary Care Sports Medicine Attending Physician
Medical Director, Youth Sports Outreach
Hospital for Special Surgery

Available Credit

  • 1.00 Contact hours

Price

Cost:
$20.00
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