Childrens Physiotherapy Harrogate

This can be caused by a traumatic injury or a ‘mal-tracking’ patella with a shallow groove which allows the knee cap to move sideways out of place.

Initial treatment is usually an x-ray to check for any bony involvement if it is a traumatic injury and a brace may be advised depending on the severity of the injury. Weight bearing as pain allows using elbow crutches if necessary.

Do not push into any discomfort and seek advice if the pain does not improve.

This can affect children of all ages but is usually apparent between 10-12 years old and is more noticeable through growth spurts.. It is a condition where the spine twists and curves to one side.

On assessment it is key to look out for a curved spine, leaning to one side, uneven shoulders, one shoulder or hip sticking out or clothes not fitting well

Useful links: The Scoliosis Association

This is a hip joint injury which is a ball and socket joint. I can happen slowly over several months and can be difficult to diagnose.

It is more likely to affect teenagers and can be linked to obesity, occasional thyroid disease or growth hormone treatment.

Symptoms can include:

• Hip, thigh and knee pain
• Limp or one foot can point more outward than normal side
• If pain becomes more severe may mean slip has become unstable and is more serious as can affect blood supply to the ball. 

Diagnosis: 

If a Physiotherapist or GP is suspicious then they will recommend an x-ray to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment:

May require surgical intervention in order to stabilise the joint using pins to hold the femoral head onto the thighbone.

In some cases, the unaffected side is pinned to prevent further slippage.

Major risk is avascular necrosis if not stabilised early so early intervention is required.

What Is It?

Severs Disease is a common condition seen after rapid growth associated with the adolescent growth spurt, typically 8 – 12 years in girls and 10 – 14 years in boys.

Severs disease is generally painful over the heel bone (growth plate), where the Achilles Tendon attaches. You can sometimes get swelling over this area too. Pain is made worse by regular high impact sports such as repetitive running, jumping, gymnastics and football.

The important thing is not to worry! Although it is called a disease, it is not something that you have caught from somebody and will not last forever.

How is it diagnosed?

History taking and examination are normally sufficient to form a clinical diagnosis. X-rays are generally not required.

However, a simple test known as the squeeze test may be performed where each side of your heel is squeezed, which may be uncomfortable. If this brings on your heel pain, then this confirms your diagnosis. 

How long will it last?

Pain usually settles within 6 – 12 months but sometimes the pain can take up to 2 years to settle down completely. Children with severs disease will recover completely with no long term problems.

How is it treated?

• Rest from sports/ impact activities
• Ice
• Gel heel pads
• Anti inflammatory medication (always check with your pharmacy/GP)
• A pair of well cushioned shoes• Stretches as below. In this example, the right leg is the painful leg.