With the majority of schools now approaching the half-term break, it may be a good time to reflect on any injuries, aches or pains your child may have experienced since starting back to school.
The return to school after a long summer break will normally lead to an increase in sporting activity. Whether as a result of a return to PE lessons, after school clubs or extra-curricular activities, term-time will usually see the frequency of activity sessions increase.
As sporting participation increases, the cumulative stress on the body will begin to add up. This extra exertion, at a time when the body is growing and maturing, makes it even more important to resolve aches and pains efficiently.
Some of the most common injuries seen in children and adolescents occur at the growth-plates of many bones in the body. The growth-plates are areas of the bones that, prior to puberty, are made of strong cartilage. It is from these areas that the bones grow and elongate during growth. Injuries to these areas can occur as a result of repetitive stress and are sometimes referred to as ‘growing pains’.
- Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease
A condition associated with pain at the bony site just below the knee cap (tibia tubercle) caused by stress placed on its cartilaginous attachment to the tibia. Osgood-Schlatter’s can be associated with a number of factors such as muscle tightness and altered biomechanics of the knee or lower limb. This type of injury usually responds well to treatment and activity modification.
- Sinding-Larsen-Johansson’s Disease
This issue presents as pain at the lower pole of the patella (knee cap). This is again can be commonly caused by altered biomechanics or muscle tightness and reacts well to treatment and a period of rest.
- Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is recognised as heel pain situated around the attachment of the Achilles tendon. Muscle tightness and foot posture are common causes for this type of pain. Treatment may involve a stretches, soft tissue therapy or possibly custom orthotics to correct foot posture.
- Shin Splints
Shins splints is the term used to describe pain along the edge of the shin bone (tibia). Foot posture and muscle tightness are common causes of this issue, however strength deficits and the type of activity may also add to the symptoms. Depending on what is found to be causing the issue, treatment may include soft tissue release, stretches, orthotics or some conditioning exercises.
- Little League Elbow
Little league elbow is a term used to describe chronic overuse injury of the elbow. Usually associated with repetitive throwing actions, sufferers will normally experience pain around the inner side of the elbow joint during the acceleration phase of the throwing action. Immediate treatment will involve rest and ice, with longer term solutions focussing on technique and muscle flexibility.
If you need advice or treatment on any injuries, or to book into our Under 16’s Physiotherapy Clinic please call one of the team at Drummond Clinic & Sportsfeet UK on 0871 221 9394.