ADOLESCENT
GROWTHPLATE
INJURIES
ADOLESCENT GROWTHPLATE INJURIES
Understanding why young athletes are vulnerable and how physiotherapy supports recovery
Growth plate injuries are one of the most common sports-related issues seen in children and teenagers. The growth plate (physis) is a layer of cartilage located at the ends of long bones. It’s the last area of the skeleton to harden into bone, which makes it weaker than surrounding ligaments, tendons, and bone. As a result, adolescents are particularly prone to growth-plate stress and injury during periods of rapid growth.
Why Growth Plate Injuries Happen
Periods of rapid growth during adolescents can make the growth plate temporarily weaker and less organised which can increase injury risk during sports. This combined with high training loads and possible biomechanical imbalances can increase stress on the growth plate.
Common contributing factors include:
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Repetitive sports motions
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Sudden increases in training intensity
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Poor recovery habits
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Biomechanical imbalances during growth spurts
Common Growth Plate–Related Sports Injuries
1. Osgood–Schlatter Disease (tibial tubercle apophysitis)
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Often seen in running and jumping sports.
Symptoms: pain and swelling just below the knee, aggravated by activity.
2. Calcaneal Apophysitis (Sever’s)
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A common heel pain condition in young athletes.
Symptoms: heel pain during running, tight calves, difficulty with high-impact activities.
3. Little League Elbow (medial epicondyle apophysitis)
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Common in young throwers (baseball, cricket).
Symptoms: inner elbow pain, reduced throwing power, stiffness after activity.
4. Pelvic Apophysitis (ASIS/AIIS/iliac crest)
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Occurs with sprinting, kicking sports, and rapid growth.
Symptoms: pain at the front or side of the hip, pulling sensation, discomfort with explosive movements.
5. Stress Injuries at the Growth Plate (Physeal Stress Fractures)
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Seen with repetitive loading in sports like gymnastics, athletics, football.
Symptoms: persistent, activity-related pain in a specific limb area.
How physio at Leda Cox Physiotherapy helps
With over 8 years experience treating young athletes from multiple sports, I’m skilled in early recognition and management of growth plate–related injuries. Leda Cox Physiotherapy can help in the following areas:
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Assessing biomechanics and movement patterns
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Identifying muscular imbalances linked to growth spurts
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Guiding load management to reduce stress on the growth plate
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Prescribing strength and mobility exercises tailored to the young athlete
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Supporting safe return to sport and preventing recurrence
EXCEL
EMPOWER
INSPIRE
LOCALISED PAIN NEAR A JOINT
often at the knees, heels, or elbows.
WORSENING PAIN
Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
TENDERNESS
Tenderness to touch along the outer ankle ligaments.
STIFFNESS
Stiffness or reduced movement in the affected joint.
LIMPING
Limping or avoiding activity due to discomfort.
EXCEL
EMPOWER
INSPIRE
