Children & Teens Growing Injuries

There are several growing injuries that can affect children and adolescents, particularly those involved in regular sports training.

Three of the most common conditions I see within the clinic are Sever's Disease, Osgood-Schlatter Disease, and Sinding-Larsen-Johansson Syndrome.

Each of these conditions is related to overuse and stress on the growth plates in the bones, leading to pain and discomfort. This blog will provide an overview of each condition, including symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Sever's Disease

Sever's Disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common cause of heel pain in active children, particularly those aged 8 to 15 years. It typically occurs during periods of rapid growth.

Symptoms

• Heel pain, especially during physical activity

• Tenderness at the back of the heel

• Swelling or inflammation around the heel

• Pain when walking, running, or jumping

Causes

The condition is caused by repetitive stress on the growth plate at the back of the heel. Activities that involve running, jumping, or sudden stops can exacerbate the pain. Tight calf muscles and poor foot biomechanics may also contribute to the condition.

Treatment

First we will look at strategies to manage the discomfort and reduce loading on the tissues where possible. Then look into some of the biomechanical factors such as weaknesses and tightness around the foot and ankle. Alongside working on a targeted exercise plan to work at in between sports to alleviate symptoms.

Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Osgood-Schlatter Disease is a common cause of knee pain in growing adolescents. It typically affects children aged 10 to 15 years in running and jumping based sports.

Symptoms

• Pain and tenderness just below the kneecap

• Swelling in the area of the tibial tuberosity

• Pain that worsens with physical activity, especially running and jumping

• Stiffness in the knee after activity

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Causes

This condition occurs due to repetitive traction on the growth plate at the tibial tuberosity, where the patellar tendon attaches. Activities that involve running, jumping, or kneeling can increase the risk of developing Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Treatment

Again we will look at ways to reduce the pain at the knee and manage the load being placed on it. Often tightness in the quadriceps and hip flexors contribute to the condition and we will look at effective treatment and exercises to address this. Taping techniques can also be beneficial to adopt when playing sport.

Sinding-Larsen-Johansson Syndrome

Sinding-Larsen-Johansson Syndrome is a slightly less common condition that affects the knee area, specifically the growth plate at the kneecap (patella). It typically occurs in adolescents aged 10 to 15 years who are involved in sports.

Symptoms

• Pain and tenderness at the inferior pole of the patella

• Swelling around the kneecap

• Pain during activities such as running, jumping, or climbing stairs

• Stiffness after prolonged sitting or inactivity

  
  

Causes

This syndrome is caused by repetitive stress on the patellar tendon, similar to Osgood-Schlatter Disease. Activities that involve jumping or running can lead to inflammation and pain in the growth plate.

Treatment

Treatment is very similar to Osgood-Schlatter with some differences in taping techniques.

Conclusion on common growing injuries

Sever's Disease, Osgood-Schlatter Disease, and Sinding-Larsen-Johansson Syndrome are all related to growth and physical activity in children and adolescents. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help manage symptoms and allow young athletes to continue participating in their favorite sports.