Growing Pains & Knee Pain
Many people refer to it as “growing pains” when children and adolescents complain about aches and pains during their growth years.
Most kids with growing pains experience pain in their thighs, calves, shins, or knees. Most of the time it is usually felt in both legs. In some cases where an individual may only feel pain in one knee during times of growth spurts, this can also be what is called Osgood-Schlatter Disease.
What is Osgood-Schlatter Disease?
During periods of rapid growth, the bones, muscles, and tendons shift and grow larger. This can lead to swelling and irritation of the growth plate at the top of the shinbone where the patellar tendon connects the kneecap.
Who is at risk?
Knee pain or Osgood-Schlatter Disease is most commonly seen in Athletic young people who are experiencing a growth spurt. Boys between the ages of 10-15 are particularly affected. Sports that involve sudden changes in direction like soccer, basketball, gymnastics, and football can put more stress on the knees, possibly leading to a great risk of developing Osgood-Schlatter Disease.
Common symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Pain, tenderness, or swelling just below the kneecap
Pain that worsens while playing sports, running, jumping, or changing direction quickly
Limping after playing sports or activity
Treatment and Prevention
The pain and discomfort usually resolves on its own, it may last a few weeks or months inconsistently until the growth spurt stops. To manage the pain, treatment usually includes ice, rest, and specific stretches and exercises. Physiotherapy can help treat Osgood-Schlatter Disease as well as growing pains in general in the adolescent years.
Physiotherapy can help improve the strength of the quads, hamstrings, and gastrocnemius muscles. Strengthening can help reduce pressure on the tendons in the knee, therefore reducing inflammation.
Our Registered Physiotherapists are always available to discuss treatment options with you.
Written by: Anjali Patel. Registered Physiotherapist Resident. Orthopaedic Physiotherapist. Concussion Management
Integrative Physiotherapy, Empowering Patients with Personalized Care.
Integrative Physiotherapy is a Barrie-based clinic that believes in a one-on-one patient-centered, manual therapy (hands-on) approach to physiotherapy. We aim to empower our patients by providing quality care that is personalized to each patient in an interactive and friendly manner. Through the use of the best available treatment techniques, we aim to provide exceptional care so that each patient feels engaged and motivated.
Our therapists are continually upgrading their skills and taking time to provide comprehensive assessment and treatment techniques that are always one on one without the use of assistants or double booking patients to make sure that you achieve your functional and sports goals as soon as possible.
Our therapists would be happy to help you to achieve your goals, get in touch to schedule your appointment. Don’t let pain ruin your day!
