March 5, 2026, 2:50 p.m.
As the weather heats up, kids will be spending more time outside. Jamie Kondis, MD, WashU Medicine pediatric medicine physician at St. Louis Children's Hospital, talks about common springtime injuries and how to prevent them.
- Bike riding: Check your child’s bike tires for air and tighten any loose parts to prevent a crash. Helmet safety is also important. St. Louis Children’s Safety Stop program provides free helmet fittings for children.
- Scooters and skates: Always make sure your child is wearing a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads. It’s also a good idea to review traffic safety rules with your child before they hop on their scooter or go skating.
- Young athletes: If your young athlete has an underlying medical condition such as asthma, stock up on their medications. Teach your child the importance of staying hydrated throughout the day. Finally, show them how to warm up and cool down their bodies and take breaks to prevent injuries from overuse.
When your child has a sprain, strain, jam, or minor fracture, visit one of four Orthopedic Injury Clinic locations for a same-day appointment. You’ll receive immediate care from WashU Medicine orthopedic specialists, including on-site X-ray, splinting, and casting. We treat kids ages 5 and up.
