Growth Plate Injuries in Young Athletes

Fall is here! The leaves are changing, the weather is getting cooler, and youth sports are in full swing. With more sport activity though, we often start to see more sports injuries in kids.

By far the most common type of injuries in young athletes are overuse injuries, or injuries that occur due to inadequate rest or recovery.

Of the different types of overuse injuries, the most common that we tend to see include injuries to the growth plates. This is likely due to the fact that these athletes are still growing and we know that during a rapid phase of growth (hello growth spurts!), an athlete’s bones are less resistant to the forces placed on them. Other risk factors include things like: previous injury, improper rest and/or nutrition, menstrual health for female athletes, poor technique, equipment fit, and sports specialization.

A specific type of growth plate injury that we see often is apophysitis or epiphysitis. Simply put, this is when the growth plate becomes irritated and inflamed. It can cause an athlete to experience pain or swelling, start to limp, or even have to change how they are participating in their sport (for example a volleyball player not being able to hit the ball as hard or a soccer player not being able to run as fast). This type of injury can occur anywhere there is a growth plate including the feet, legs, arms, or even the spine. However, the most common areas include the feet, knees, and shoulder or elbow.

Common Types of Growth Plate Injuries Include:

1. Sever’s disease, or apophysitis of the calcaneal (heel) growth plate

2. Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, or apophysitis of the tibial tubercle (bottom of the knee)

3. Little League Shoulder (proximal humeral epiphysitis), or epiphysitis of the top of the shoulder

4. Little League Elbow (medial epicondyle apophysitis), or apophysitis of the inside of the elbow

While these tend to be the most commonly seen growth plate injuries in young athletes, growth plate injuries are also seen in other areas of the foot, the wrist (especially in gymnasts), the hip, and the spine.

What Can You Do About a Growth Plate Injury?

The good news is that most types of apophysitis or epiphysitis are self-limiting and will improve over time when growth of that body region is complete. That being said, pain, swelling, and having to change how you are participating in your sport is NOT fun and it can possibly lead to other injuries. That’s where physical therapy can help. Physical therapy can often help provide recommendations to manage this condition and work on decreasing the pain by working on things like strength, flexibility, overall mobility and balance, and sport specific mechanics.

Most of the time, a young athlete can continue to participate in their sport with this type of condition with guidance from a physical therapist or physician trained in working with pediatric sports injuries. However, there may be a time where it is recommended that the athlete rest from activity to promote healing. This can be dependent on many factors as well as the individual child, and it is important to follow the recommendations provided by the healthcare provider following your child.

If you suspect your child may be dealing with a growth plate injury, reach out to your local physical therapist or sports medicine physician and follow their recommendations to ensure your athlete continues to enjoy their activities without further injury or continued pain. Often, the sooner a growth plate injury is addressed, the better the outcomes and the quicker the athlete may start to feel better!

Starting Block Physical Therapy is experienced in helping young athletes dealing with growth plate injuries and we would love to help answer any questions you may have. Call or email us today to talk more!