Growing Pains Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains Podiatry offers quality care for growing pain to the local Springwood, Katoomba and Blaxland communities as well as the surrounding suburbs of; Glenbrook, Emu Plains, Lawson, Leura, Blaxland, Wentworth Falls, Katoomba, Blackheath and Penrith.

  • Is your child going through a growth spurt?
  • Does your child enjoy playing sports and doing physical activities?
  • Does your child get pain in the back of their heels or at the front of their knees whilst playing or after playing sport?
  • Does your Doctor tell you there is nothing that can be done to help?

If so, you are not alone!

We Can Help You!

At Blue Mountains Podiatry we have a special interest in diagnosing, managing and treating growing pains and pride ourselves getting the very best outcome for all our patients.  Growing pains are most commonly seen in children between the ages of 8 and 15 and can be so severe they may prevent your child from playing or enjoying sport and physical activity.

The two most common types of growing pains in the lower leg are Sever’s disease (pain at the back of the heel) and Osgood- Schlatters.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease, also known as Calcaneal Apophysitis is the most common cause of heel pain in the growing child.  It will generally occur in a child who is going through a growth spurt and is physically active. The characteristic diagnostic test for Severe’s disease is called the lateral ‘squeeze test’ which is performed by squeezing the heel bone just below the Achilles tendon. Pain will result from the ‘squeeze test ‘ if Severe’s disease is present.

Growing Pains Blue Mountains
Osgood Schlatters Disease Blue Mountains

Osgood – Schlatters Disease

Osgood Schlatters disease is the most common cause of knee pain in children and in young athletes. It will also occur in a child experiencing a growth spurt and who is physically active. Pain is predominately felt on and around the tibial tuberosity (Top of the shin bone under the knee cap). It is more commonly seen in children that play sports involving running and jumping as there is more strain placed on the tendon that joins the knee cap to the shin bone (patella tendon).

The onset of growing pains may be gradual or sudden and can be contributed to a number of factors including:

  • Pronated or Rolling feet / ankles (flat feet)
  • Tight calf muscles
  • Rapid growth spurt
  • Overuse
  • Inadequate footwear
  • Poor biomechanics (the way you walk)

If your child has growing pains you need to speak to one of our specialist podiatrists who will determine the exact cause of their pain and tailor an individualized plan to get them back to the activities they love, and FAST.

At Blue Mountains Podiatry growing pains is one of the most common conditions we see in children, and our expert therapists have a proven track record in getting the best outcomes for all our patients. A thorough initial examination will identify the precise source of pain, which will be accompanied by the most up to date biomechanical analysis using our state of the art 3d technology to identify any contributing factors to your child’s condition. Our goal is to remove your child’s pain and address the main underlying causes as opposed to providing a band aid, quick fix solution. Treatment options we have available to ensure the best possible outcome include:

  • Custom made orthotics (arch supports)
  • Deep connective tissue massage
  • Specialised heel pain strapping techniques
  • Dry needling
  • Footwear advice
  • Stretching and exercise programs
  • Ice routine

Don’t let your child’s growing pains stop them from playing the sports and performing the activities they love. To have your child’s pain resolved as soon as possible make an appointment to see one of Blue Mountains Podiatry’s expert therapists call 02 4751 7583 for our Springwood Podiatry clinic 02 4782 6169 for our Katoomba Podiatry clinic or 02 4702 0221 for our Blaxland Podiatry Clinic.

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