Osgood Schlatters – Knee Pain in Sporting Children
Does your child ever complain about pain in the front of the knee? Do they complain about their knees being sore during running and jumping activities or sports? Well, if they do, they are not alone. Knee pain over this area is a common reported symptom by young active children. Below is some information regarding common causes and advice to help manage their symptoms.
If your child’s main complaint is pain or discomfort below the kneecap, they could have a condition called Osgood schlatters or SLJ. Both conditions involve the patella tendon which is the tendon that runs from the bottom of the kneecap to the top of your shin bone. The main difference between the conditions is the exact location along the tendon and bony attachments. These symptoms are common in young active children due the amount of growing that occurs at the bone, muscles, and tendons. The irritation occurs at the tendon where it attaches onto the bone at the growth plate. The management of these injuries are quite similar, and we will discuss a few strategies you can start at home.
The first strategy to implement is stretching around the knee. Stretching of your quadriceps, hamstrings and calves is key to reducing muscular tightness. Trial these stretches below:
Quadriceps:
- While standing, raise your foot towards your glute. You should feel the stretch along the front of your thigh. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat three times at a mild to moderate stretch pain free.
Hamstrings:
- While sitting on the floor, have one leg our straight. Lean forward at your hips until you feel a stretch in the back of your thigh / knee. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat three times at a mild to moderate stretch pain free.
Calf:
- Stand with one foot in front of the other facing a wall. Keep your back leg straight while leaning into the wall. You should feel a stretch in the back of your leg. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat three times at a mild to moderate stretch pain free.
If these stretches don’t provide enough symptoms relief, please come, and see one of our friendly physiotherapists in the clinic. In our sessions we will discuss further management strategies such as taping, strengthening, load management and help advice around symptom management. Click here to book an appointment with one of our Physiotherapists.
Written By:
Levi Norsworthy
Physiotherapist
PhysioMotion Cairns
Shop 5/9-11 Stokes Street
Edmonton QLD 4869
(Servicing Edmonton, Gordonvale, Bentley Park, Mount Sheridan Community)
Does your child ever complain about pain in the heel of the foot? Do they complain about their ankles being sore during running and jumping activities or sports? Well, if they do, they are not alone. Heel pain is a common reported symptom by young active children. Below is some information regarding causes and advice to help manage their symptoms.