Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
The Growing Athlete: Unique Vulnerabilities
Teenage athletes are not simply smaller versions of adult athletes. The adolescent skeleton has active growth plates (physis) that are 2-5 times weaker than the surrounding ligaments -- meaning forces that would cause a ligament sprain in an adult can fracture through the growth plate in a teenager. Additionally, rapid skeletal growth during the adolescent growth spurt (typically 12-15 in girls, 13-16 in boys) temporarily reduces relative flexibility and increases injury risk.
Growth Plate Injuries (Physeal Fractures)
Any suspected growth plate injury must be managed carefully. Do not dismiss an adolescent's pain as a simple sprain -- growth plate fractures are common in the fingers, wrist (distal radius), ankle (Salter-Harris fractures), and knee (tibial spine). X-ray is required. Management depends on the specific fracture type and location.
Apophysitis: The Most Common Adolescent Overuse Problem
Apophysitis is inflammation of the bony attachment (apophysis) where tendons insert during the growth spurt. Common locations: Osgood-Schlatter disease: patellar tendon attachment at the tibial tuberosity. Pain below the kneecap with activity, particularly in jumping and running. Severs disease (calcaneal apophysitis): Achilles tendon and plantar fascia attachment at the heel. Sinding-Larsen-Johansson: patellar tendon at the lower pole of the patella. Iselin disease: peroneal tendon attachment at the 5th metatarsal base.
Physiotherapy Management
Activity modification (reducing volume, not complete cessation), stretching the muscles attached to the affected apophysis, addressing biomechanical factors (foot pronation, hip weakness, tight calf muscles), and graduated return to sport. Most apophysitis conditions resolve completely when skeletal maturity is reached.
Teen Sports Injury in Faridabad
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, we understand the unique needs of young athletes. Book your teen athlete assessment today.