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Children's

Injuries + Conditions

Preventing injuries in children requires a completely different approach to that in adults. The fact that children are growing and that their bones therefore have growth plates creates issues and injuries that are unique to this group.

What is a growth plate?

Growth plates are the areas of new bone growth in children and teens, they are made up of cartilage - a rubbery, flexible material. Most growth plates are near the ends of the long bones - this is the way bones grow. There are usually two growth plates for each long bone, they add length and width to the bone. As the bone finishes growing, the growth plates harden into solid bone (close). Growth plates usually close near the end of puberty, for girls, this is usually when they’re 13 to 15 years old, for boys, it's when they’re 15 to 17 years old.  Unfortunately, growth plate cartilage is weaker than solid bone and this makes it more likely to be injured. 

What causes injuries in children?

Adding to the fact that their bones are weaker than adult bones, children also have weaker muscles, poorer control and their tight muscles (from rapid growth) create traction on these weak parts of their bodies. 

What problems can occur with a growth plate?

​Growth plate fracture

Sometimes when the bone has been put under a lot of strain, you can get a fracture in the growth plate. This mostly happens in the fingers in the forearm and the lower leg; usually, they heal and don't cause further problems, but sometimes it causes the bone to fuse early and may lead to differences in the length of bones in the future.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis 

This is a condition where the ball of the head of the thigh bone slips off the neck of the bone this causes pain instability and stiffness around the hip that worsens with activity.

Severs disease

Severs disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is one of the most common causes of heel pain in growing children. It is commonly seen in children who are physically active playing high-impact sports repetitive stress to the heel and or going through a rapid growth spurt. Severs disease occurs when the calf muscles are tight and they pull the heel bone causing pain in the growth plate.

Osgood Schlatter’s disease

Osgood Schlatter’s is a common cause of knee pain in growing children. It is most commonly seen in boys aged 13-14 years but occurs in both males and females during periods of rapid growth and high levels of activity. Pain is felt below the kneecap where the patella tendon joins to the shin bone. Here there is a growth plate making this an area of bone weakness.

 

Growth plate pain can occur anywhere there is a growth plate if there is overuse or traction forces placed on it so different sports can cause different areas of pain. It is important that your child receives a quick and accurate diagnosis to get them performing to their best as soon as possible.

What other childhood conditions should we be aware of?

Growing pains 

Growing pains are often described by children as deep, throbbing, aching pain. Often felt in both lower limbs (shins, calves, thighs) and often not involving any joints. It is common that they feel the pain mostly at late evening or at night-time. At Aligned Therapies, we follow the 'Alignment, Biomechanics and Coordination' principle in order to offload excess tension and reduce pain. 

Hypermobility disorders

Hypermobility describes increased joint mobility outside the normal range given age, gender and ethnicity. It may be inherent or acquired. A Hypermobile child has an excessive range of motion in all directions compared to their peers. They have ligament laxity, often bruise a lot, have joint pain and a greater incidence of growing pains, a greater incidence of subluxations/dislocations and fractures, coordination issues, fatigue and often bladder dysfunction. These children benefit from A.C.E. training.

Juvenile Arthritis (JA)

Juvenile Arthritis is the most common arthritis in children under the age of 16. Persistent joint pain, stiffness, swelling, swollen lymph nodes and rash are common signs and symptoms. JA occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and cells. It is not fully understood why this occurs. 

Fractures and broken bones 

Fractures and broken bones can occur after a traumatic injury. Although the fracture or break may be in one part of the body, surrounding tissues and joints will begin to compensate. During the healing phase, which may last 6-10 weeks, there is a significant amount that your therapist can do to aid healing time and recovery. Once a cast or brace is removed, rehabilitation consisting of strengthening and conditioning will then be implemented. 

Perthes disease

Perthes is a condition of the hip joint where there is a reduced blood supply to the femoral head, which causes softening of the bone. This can cause pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and limping. 

Patellar tracking disorder 

Patellar tracking disorder is a knee condition caused by muscular imbalances around your kneecap causing it to shift or abnormally move. Often described as a dull ache under or around the kneecap, with or without grinding, catching or buckling of the knee. Treatment at Aligned Therapies involves aligning joints for optimal biomechanics, loosening muscles to offload tension and being prescribed a strengthening rehabilitation program. 

Sports injuries 

Playing sports provides numerous physical benefits for any human, although there is always a risk of sports injuries. Common sporting injuries that Aligned Therapies treats include joint sprains, muscular strains and tendon pain. At Aligned Therapies, we are trained to diagnose, treat and rehabilitate sporting injuries.

Sprains and strains 

Sprains and strains can occur from one incident, or gradually build up over repetitive actions. This occurs when the joint or muscle is put under excessive stress. Pain, swelling, inflammation and muscle spasm are common symptoms that present after a sprain or strain injury, you may also start limping or avoiding using the joint as your body is trying to protect the area. Although sprains and strains can repair themselves over time, treatment at Aligned Therapies can help aid recovery and regain function. An appropriate rehabilitation program will then be prescribed in order for you to return to sport. 

Foot biomechanics 

Biomechanical changes in your feet can affect your ankles, knees, hips and lower back. This can affect the way that you walk and run. Treatment includes heat-moulded orthotics, strengthening weak muscles, and gait modifications.

What does treatment look like at Aligned Therapies?

  • Accurate diagnosis and evaluation.

  • Lengthen tight muscles, support.

  • Joint mobilisation and releasing muscular tension that will offload excess strain.

  • Ensuring optimal biomechanics to help reduce pain.

  • Educate the patient about their condition and implement an at-home rehabilitation program which will include stretching and strengthening exercises.

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