Knee pain below the kneecap
Often called Osgood-Schlatter, it causes a sore, sometimes bony lump below the kneecap in active children aged about 10 to 15.
Sports injuries in young people
Children and teenagers who play a lot of sport can pick up aches and injuries, especially during growth spurts. We help them understand what’s going on and keep playing safely.
Why young athletes get injured
Growing bones have areas of softer growth tissue where tendons attach. During growth spurts, and when training and matches pile up, these areas can become sore. Most of these problems settle with the right advice and changes to activity.
Common causes
Rapid growth, playing for several teams, a sudden increase in training, playing one sport all year round and not enough rest are the most common reasons young athletes get sore.
A personal approach
We look at the sore area, their growth, strength and the way they move, and at their whole week of sport and school PE, so the plan fits their life.
Physiotherapy and osteopathy
Most young people’s sports problems are managed with advice on how much sport to do, strength and flexibility exercises, and patience. Hands-on treatment can ease pain where it helps. Our physiotherapist Dan has worked in professional football and rugby.
Common problems in young athletes
A quick guide to the problems we see most often.
Heel pain
Often called Sever’s, it causes heel pain in active children aged about 8 to 14, especially in football boots or when running on hard ground.
Back pain
Back pain in young athletes, especially in sports with a lot of bending backwards such as gymnastics, dance and cricket bowling, should always be checked.
Sprains and strains
Ankle sprains and pulled muscles happen at any age. Young players benefit from a proper rehab before they go back. See sports injuries.
Our whole-person approach
Assessment
We talk with your child and you about their sport and the problem, then examine the sore area and check how they move.
Clear advice
A plain explanation of what’s going on and a plan for how much sport they can keep doing, so they stay involved where possible.
Exercises and return
Simple strength and flexibility exercises and a step-by-step return to full training and matches.
Your first appointment includes a full assessment and your first treatment. Book now to start your recovery.
Questions about sports injuries in young people
Does my child have to stop playing sport?
Not usually. Most growth-related problems improve with a reduction in training rather than stopping completely. We’ll agree a level of sport that keeps the pain manageable.
Do I need to come to the appointment?
Yes. Children and young people under 16 need a parent or guardian with them at their appointments.
Can you help with concussion?
We don’t assess or clear concussion. If a young player may have a head injury, follow the rule “if in doubt, sit them out” and contact NHS 111 or your GP. Our return to sport page explains more.
Is it just growing pains?
Growing pains usually affect both legs, in the evening or at night, and are gone by the morning. Pain in one spot that is linked to sport, or a limp, is different and is worth getting checked.
Where are you, and do I need a GP referral?
We’re at 90 Fore Street in Chudleigh, just off the A38 and a short drive from Newton Abbot, Bovey Tracey, Kingsteignton and Exeter, with convenient parking close by. You don’t need a GP referral.
When to get urgent help
Get medical help first if you have:
- A limp, or pain in the hip, thigh or knee, with no clear injury
- Pain with a high temperature or feeling unwell
- Pain that wakes them at night or is getting steadily worse
- A head injury with confusion, vomiting, drowsiness or a worsening headache
A child with a limp and a temperature, or a head injury with these signs, needs same-day medical help: call 111 or go to A&E. For pain at night or getting worse, see your GP soon.
Other conditions we treat
Lower back pain
Acute and chronic backache, lumbago and sciatica.
Neck pain & headaches
Neck pain, headaches arising from the neck, migraine prevention and nerve pain.
Shoulder pain
Rotator cuff problems, frozen shoulder and more.
Sports injuries & strains
Muscle strains, sprains and minor sports injuries.
Wrist & hand pain
Wrist sprains, thumb pain and stiff hands.
Rehab after surgery
Physiotherapy after knee, hip, shoulder and ankle surgery.