Adolescence is a time of rapid growth, exploration, and physical activity. It’s when kids often push their limits in sports, recreational activities, and even during regular daily movements. However, this increased physical activity, combined with the body’s ongoing development, can lead to injuries that require professional attention. Physiotherapists are key in assessing, treating, and rehabilitating these injuries to ensure adolescents can return to their favorite activities without further complications.
Here are the top 5 adolescent injuries that physiotherapists commonly treat:
- Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common condition among active adolescents, particularly those involved in running, jumping, and sports that place stress on the knee joint. This injury affects the tibial tuberosity, where the patellar tendon attaches to the shinbone. It typically occurs during rapid growth, when bones grow faster than muscles and tendons.
Symptoms:
- Pain and swelling just below the knee joint.
- Tenderness over the tibial tuberosity.
- Pain that worsens with activity, especially running, jumping, or squatting.
Treatment: Physiotherapists often focus on strengthening the quadriceps and hamstrings and stretching tight muscles to relieve stress on the knee. Ice, rest, and activity modifications are also crucial to recovery.
- Sprained Ankles
Ankle sprains are among the most common injuries in adolescents, particularly those active in sports like basketball, soccer, or running. A sprained ankle happens when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn due to a sudden twist, roll, or turn of the foot.
Symptoms:
- Pain, swelling, and bruising around the ankle.
- Difficulty walking or putting weight on the foot.
- A feeling of instability in the ankle.
Treatment: Early treatment typically involves the R.I.C.E. method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). Physiotherapists help with rehabilitation exercises to restore range of motion, strength, and proprioception (balance), which can help prevent future injuries.
- Sever’s Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis)
Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in active children and adolescents, particularly those who engage in running or jumping sports. This condition is associated with inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, usually affecting children between 8 and 14 years old.
Symptoms:
- Pain in the heel, particularly during or after physical activity.
- Tenderness and swelling at the back of the heel.
- Pain that increases with activities like running, jumping, or climbing.
Treatment: Physiotherapists often focus on reducing pain and inflammation, stretching the Achilles tendon, and strengthening the muscles around the foot and ankle. Wearing proper footwear and sometimes using heel pads can also help alleviate discomfort.
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is another prevalent injury among adolescents, particularly those involved in sports that require running or jumping. It involves pain around or behind the kneecap (patella) due to misalignment, overuse, or weakness in the surrounding muscles.
Symptoms:
- Pain around or behind the knee, especially when climbing stairs, running, or sitting for long periods.
- A feeling of instability in the knee.
- Pain that worsens with high-impact activities.
Treatment: Physiotherapy for patellofemoral pain syndrome usually includes strengthening exercises for the quadriceps and hips, as well as stretching tight muscles like the hamstrings and calves. In some cases, taping techniques or the use of orthotics may be recommended.
- Growth Plate Injuries (Epiphyseal Injuries)
The growth plates in adolescents are areas of developing cartilage at the ends of bones where growth occurs. Because these plates are softer and more vulnerable than mature bone, they are more susceptible to injuries, particularly from repetitive stress or trauma in activities like sports.
Symptoms:
- Pain and swelling around the injured bone.
- Difficulty moving or using the affected body part.
- Increased pain during activity or pressure on the area.
Treatment: Treatment for growth plate injuries can range from rest and activity modification to more extensive physical therapy. The primary goal is to ensure that the bone heals properly without affecting growth. A physiotherapist may work to strengthen surrounding muscles and improve range of motion once the injury has healed sufficiently.
Conclusion
Injuries during adolescence are common, but with the proper intervention, most can be managed successfully, allowing young individuals to return to their favorite sports and activities. Physiotherapists play an essential role in diagnosing and treating these injuries, developing tailored rehabilitation plans that not only alleviate pain but also improve strength and flexibility. Early treatment, appropriate rehabilitation, and proper prevention strategies can ensure that adolescents stay active and healthy while minimizing the risk of recurring injuries.
If your child experiences any of these injuries, come seek advice from a physiotherapist at Kamloops Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre who can help guide their recovery and get them back to their best self!
To book an appointment, call 250-314-0788 or book online HERE.
