Does your child complain of Growth Pains?

As a rugby coach I have come in contact with many young players complaining of “growth pains” in the lower leg. These manageable pathologies can have detrimental effects on the young elite athlete especially during the junior representative stages. In most cases pain and injury becomes the limiting factor.

“Growth pains” generally manifest themselves in 2 regions of the lower limb.

1st region is around the front surface of the knee or just below it. Commonly known as Osgood Schlatter Syndrome

2nd region is around the heel bone of the foot. This type of growth pain is otherwise known as Sever’s disease or calcaneal apophysitis.

How do these “Growth Pains” occur?

They generally occur during or just after a growth spurt usually between the ages of 9 and 15 years of age. Essentially what happens is the bones elongate and grow longer while the muscles that attach to these bones are still at a limited length. During rapid movement in sport the muscles required for movement are limited. Therefore the muscles that attach to bones “yank” or “pull” on the bones growth centres causing pain, discomfort and immobility. Manoeuvres that increase growth pain symptoms:

  • Sprinting
  • Jumping
  • High velocity side to side movement
  • High angular Direction Changes

Sport Members that are often affected are involved in:

  • Soccer Gymnastics
  • Netball Basketball
  • Rugby League/Union Athletics
  • AFL

How can Blue Mountains Podiatry Help You?

The biggest Goal is to reduce pain and discomfort and get your child back to sport as soon as possible

How can Blue Mountains Podiatry Help You?

Conduct a Biomechanical Assessment

Assess muscle strength, flexibility, Joint range of motion.

Assess the way your child walks, runs, jumps, squats.

The biomechanical assessment helps evaluate the CAUSE of the pain and allows us to inform you on an easy to follow treatment plan.

Treatment Regimes may include:

  • Icing after sport
  • Sport modification exercises
  • Strapping and Taping of the affected area
  • Stretching and strengthening exercises for target muscle groups
  • Orthotic Therapy
  • Footwear advice including school shoes, court shoes, joggers and rugby boots.

If your child has growing pains we can help you! Call 47517583 for the Faulconbridge clinic or 47826169 for the Katoomba clinic.

Written by Frankie Raikadroka