Common Adolescent Injuries Related to Growth and the Role of Physiotherapy by Megan Schneider Senior APA Physiotherapist
Adolescence is a period of rapid physical growth and increased physical activity, making teenagers particularly susceptible to injuries—especially those related to growth and development. As their bones lengthen, muscles and tendons stretch to keep up, sometimes leading to imbalances, strain, and pain. Understanding these common growth-related injuries and how physiotherapy can help is crucial for managing symptoms and ensuring long-term musculoskeletal health.
Growth-Related Injuries in Adolescents
1. Growth Plate Injuries
Growth plates (epiphyseal plates) are areas of developing cartilage at the ends of long bones. These are weaker than surrounding bone and more susceptible to fractures, especially in active teens. Growth plate injuries often occur from falls, repetitive impact, or high-impact sports like basketball and gymnastics. If not properly treated, they can affect bone development and lead to uneven growth (National Library of Medicine, 2022).
How Physiotherapy Helps:
• Gentle mobility exercises to restore function
• Strengthening exercises to support the affected area
• Gradual return-to-sport programs to prevent re-injury
2. Osgood-Schlatter Disease
A common condition in rapidly growing adolescents, Osgood-Schlatter disease causes pain and swelling just below the kneecap. It results from repeated stress on the patellar tendon, pulling on the tibial growth plate. It’s particularly common in teenagers involved in jumping or running sports like soccer and basketball (De Lucena et al., 2011).
How Physiotherapy Helps:
• Stretching exercises to relieve tension in the quadriceps
• Strengthening exercises for the surrounding muscles
• Taping or bracing techniques to reduce stress on the knee
3. Sever’s Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis)
Sever’s disease is the most common cause of heel pain in growing adolescents, particularly those engaged in running and jumping activities. It occurs when the Achilles tendon pulls on the growth plate in the heel, leading to inflammation and pain (James et al., 2023).
How Physiotherapy Helps:
• Calf stretching and strengthening exercises
• Heel pads or orthotics to reduce impact
• Activity modification and gradual return to sports
4. Sinding-Larsen-Johansson Syndrome
Similar to Osgood-Schlatter disease, this condition affects the lower kneecap rather than the shinbone. It occurs due to repetitive stress on the patellar tendon during growth spurts and is common in young athletes (Bennett et al., 2020).
How Physiotherapy Helps:
• Ice therapy and pain management techniques
• Quadriceps and hamstring stretches
• Progressive strengthening exercises to support the knee
5. Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)
SCFE is a hip condition where the head of the femur slips off the growth plate. It is more common in overweight adolescents and can cause hip pain, limping, and limited range of motion. It requires urgent medical attention, often surgery, but physiotherapy plays a key role in rehabilitation (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2023).
How Physiotherapy Helps Post-Surgery:
• Strengthening exercises for hip stability
• Gait training and balance exercises
• Gradual return to normal activities
6. Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)
During growth spurts, the tibia (shinbone) experiences increased stress, especially in teens who engage in high-impact sports. Shin splints cause pain along the inner shin and are often due to improper footwear, poor biomechanics, or overuse (Yagi et al., 2021).
How Physiotherapy Helps:
• Correcting running or jumping mechanics
• Stretching and strengthening exercises for the lower leg
• Ice therapy and taping techniques to reduce pain
Why Adolescents Are More Prone to Growth-Related Injuries
1. Growth Spurts Cause Imbalances
During rapid growth, bones lengthen faster than muscles and tendons can adapt, leading to tightness, stiffness, and increased risk of injury (Philippou et al., 2012).
2. Changes in Movement Mechanics
As the body grows, balance, coordination, and biomechanics change, sometimes leading to inefficient movement patterns that strain muscles and joints.
3. High Activity Levels with Developing Bodies
Teenagers often participate in high-intensity sports while their bodies are still developing, increasing the likelihood of overuse injuries.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Growth-Related Injuries
Physiotherapy is essential in helping adolescents recover from growth-related injuries, manage pain, and prevent future problems.
1. Pain and Inflammation Management
• Ice therapy, manual therapy, and taping techniques can help relieve pain and reduce swelling.
2. Flexibility and Mobility Training
• Stretching tight muscles (e.g., hamstrings, quadriceps, calves) to counteract imbalances caused by rapid growth.
3. Strengthening Exercises
• Building strength in weak areas, such as the core, hips, and lower limbs, to support growing joints.
4. Posture and Biomechanics Correction
• Addressing movement patterns to prevent improper stress on growing bones and joints.
5. Activity Modification and Return-to-Sport Programs
• Guiding teens through safe activity levels while recovering and helping them return to sports without re-injury.
Conclusion
Growth-related injuries are a natural part of adolescence, especially for active teenagers. While some conditions, like Osgood-Schlatter disease or Sever’s disease, resolve over time, they can cause discomfort and impact performance if not managed correctly. Physiotherapy plays a critical role in reducing pain, improving flexibility, strengthening muscles, and ensuring a safe return to normal activities.
If your teen is experiencing pain due to a growth-related injury, consulting a physiotherapist can provide them with the tools and guidance needed for a smooth recovery.
References
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2023). Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE). Retrieved from www.aaos.org
Bennett, D. L., Frizzell, B. M., & Meyer, C. J. (2020). Sinding-Larsen-Johansson Syndrome in Adolescent Athletes: Diagnosis and Management. Journal of Sports Medicine, 48(2), 145-158.
De Lucena, G. L., Santos Gomes, L., Guerra, R. O. (2011). Prevalence and associated factors of Osgood-Schlatter syndrome in a population-based sample of Brazilian adolescents. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 39(2), 415-420.
James, A. M., O’Donnell, K. R., & Patel, S. R. (2023). Sever’s Disease in Young Athletes: A Review of Diagnosis and Treatment Strategies. Pediatric Sports Medicine, 12(3), 189-201.
National Library of Medicine. (2022). Growth Plate Injuries in Children and Adolescents. Retrieved from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Philippou, A., Maridaki, M., & Bogdanis, G. C. (2012). Growth, maturation, and skeletal muscle function in adolescence. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 26(7), 1814-1823.
Yagi, S., Nishio, A., & Takahashi, K. (2021). Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome: Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies. Sports Science & Medicine, 30(4), 231-245.