Some kids seem to be magnets for injuries, whether suffered on the football pitch or from jumping on the sofa. Here’s an explanation of some common sports injuries among children, and how your osteopath can help.
Overuse Sports Injuries
Between PE lessons and extracurriculars, it’s often our kids who have more time to exercise than us. And if they love their sports, it can be an impossible task to get them to slow it down. Combine this with the vulnerabilities of a growing body, and overuse injuries become quite a common issue.
Inflammation Where Tendon Meets Bone (Apophysitis)
Two common areas for this injury are the top of the shin bone and the heel bone. Both sites are where a tendon sits just over a growth plate- a softer bit of cartilage from where new bone grows. Strain on this area, as per from prolonged, repetitive pulling can cause pain, inflammation, and protruding bony growth. This bony growth is permanent, and will form a solid lump over time. But for most people, it becomes asymptomatic once the growth plate turns to bone (when the area has finished growing).
Read more about Osgood Schlatter Disease here.
Other Causes of Knee Pain
Presenting similarly to Osgood Schlatter Disease is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. This just means “pain behind the knee cap” and can result from muscle imbalances that pull the knee cap away from its proper position. Like the above, it can result from sports that require explosive quadriceps force, such as jumping and kicking sports. Growth spurts often play a role among children too. Focused stretching and massage can help to keep symptoms at bay.
Tendonitis
Tendons themselves can be injured over time too. Throwing can cause tendonitis around the shoulder, and dancing is associated with similar symptoms around the hip, as per snapping hip syndrome. Avoiding doing too much exercise in one go, or suddenly doing more than usual can help to prevent these injuries. Maintaining good form and properly stretching are key too.
Acute Sports Injuries
Ligament Sprains and Muscle Strains
Ankle sprains and pulled muscles are one of the most common sports injuries kids face. Current advice is to rest and ice the area, but we’re moving away from advice to avoid weight bearing. Early return to weight bearing is important to help the tissues heal correctly. Striking the balance between rest and return can be difficult, and your osteopath can help here.
Fractures and Concussions
Both of the above require immediate medical attention. Post Concussion Syndrome is a phenomenon that is gradually gaining more awareness and understanding, in which the impact of a concussion continues significantly into the long term. Rest and recovery immediately after the injury is imperative for good outcomes, despite potentially feeling excessive at the time.
Osteopathy for Kids’ Sports Injuries
For muscle, tendon, and joint aches and pains, your osteopath can help. If you suspect your child has a fracture, concussion, or other serious condition, you should see a doctor first.
Click here to make an appointment for your child in Rutland or Leicestershire
