Point Sports Therapy Clinic
digital
INJURY DATA
APOPHYSITIS
Apophysitis is an inflammation to the areas on a bone's growth plate, this is where the tendon attaches to the bone in children. This is commonly seen in the knee, shoulder, elbow, foot, heel and hip in athletes.
Average recovery time -
52 weeks +
Likelihood of reoccurrence -
Low to medium
Digital illustration of Osgood Schlatter's disease generated by EVE.
Apophysitis is a traction injury that usually occurs during a growth spurt. It is when tight or inflexible tendons (soft tissue that connects muscle to bone) pull on bones that are not fully matured yet which, in some cases, causes them to break into smaller pieces.
Apophysitis is an overuse injury, but it can can also occur as an acute injury from a fall or rapid, powerful movement. It is most commonly found in active children and adolescents.
Sports injuries that fall under apophysitis are:
Sever’s disease (calcaneal apophysitis/ bottom of the foot)
Pitcher’s elbow (medial epicondyle apophysitis/ inner part of the elbow)
Osgood-schlatters disease (tibial tuberosity apophysitis/ bottom of patella/kneecap)
Sinding Larsen Johansson Syndrome (anterior/ front of the knee)
Little League Shoulder (proximal humeral/ upper arm apophysitis)
Iliac crest apophysitis (bony part of the upper hip area near the waist)
Iselin’s Disease (fifth metatarsal apophysitis/ outside edge of the middle part of the foot).
Ilium apophysitis (large surface of the pelvis)
Signs & SYMPTOMs
Pain in the affected area
Reduced range of motion
Swelling
Tenderness
Tiredness
Pain that worsens during or after repetitive sporting activities
Osgood-schlatters disease - A bump may form over the site of injury, which may not be reversible, limping while walking
Sever's disease - Pain when sides of the heel are squeezed, limping
Pitcher's elbow - The pain can occur gradually but in severe cases can occur with a pop or tear sensation
Illiac crest - Pain with activity especially running, jumping, kicking, and twisting
Sinding-Larsen Johansson Syndrome- Pain when bending the knee or jumping
If you believe you have symptoms of apophysitis please seek guidance from a medical professional! - EVE
Additional illustrations.
Above shows an expected VAS (pain) score for this injury as calculated by EVE.
sports
This injury is commonly seen in sports such as...
- Baseball
- Running
- Hockey
- Softball
- Tennis
- Golf
- Athletics
- Volleyball
- Gymnastics
- Racquetball
- Football
- Wrestling
- Weightlifting
- Dance
treatment & prevention
Follow these steps to treat this injury....
Extra information
Ice is most effective within the first 72 hours of injury; however, it may slow down initial healing.
Only use heat after 48 hours as to not cause additional inflammation/swelling.
Consult a pharmacist regarding the use of anti-inflammatories.
Get in touch with a sports therapist to assist with your injury rehabilitation journey.
Stay tuned for our upcoming therapist database!
Reach the starting point of your recovery by purchasing the complete injury rehabilitation package at the Self-Help Shop!
Follow these steps to prevent this injury....
DOs
Switch to low impact exercises such as yoga, walking, biking or swimming during the healing process
Exercise on soft ground if possible
Try to achieve and sustain a healthy body weight, eat a rich and nutritious diet with calcium and proteins
Stretch tight muscles to reduce pressure on growth plate
Warm up throughly before commencing any exercise and cool down completely after engaging in vigorous activities
Slowly increase the intensity of sporting activities
Use proper technique while engaging in sports - consider having someone observe you to remind you
Use sports equipment properly and in accordance with its intended purpose
Consider purchasing shoes that are designed for your chosen sport
Visit EVE's Top Tips to prevent injury page!
(link below)
DON'Ts
Try not to limp during or after activity as this would make the injury worse and increase recovery time
Refrain from doing high impact activities for prolonged periods
Do not take anti-inflammatories for the first 48 hours to avoid disrupting the healing process
Do not ignore your pain/symptoms! Address them promptly for a better recovery
Avoid increasing your activity levels too rapidly
Avoid playing sports if you are already fatigued
Minimise strenuous use and repetitive movements of the affected area - take regular breaks if unavoidable
Visit EVE's Top Tips to prevent injury page!
(link below)
The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.