Has your child ever complained to you about acute body ache while growing into their teenage years? This is due to the ‘teenage growth spurt’, which is a comparatively faster and major rate of growth in terms of height and weight that occurs in the adolescent years of a child. When this pain is coupled with an intense schedule of school and play, the body can take a toll and make your child prone to pain and injuries. Every adolescent child goes through this stage, but depending on factors like your child’s lifestyle, nutritional habits, activity level, and family genetics, some orthopedic problems in teenagers may develop that must not be ignored.
Here are 5 common orthopedic problems in teenagers:
1. Osgood Schlatter disease
It is a type of knee pain that occurs in developing children. It causes inflammation above the knee area where the kneecap tendon connects with the shin. This can commonly occur during growth spurts because a few muscles can grow rapidly while the others might take a little longer. This strain and pulling can cause inflammation and irritation in the region. This pain can also get worse with physical exercises like jumping or running. Its treatment includes adequate rest and medications.
If a child is going through Osgood Schlatter disease, they must not overlook resting. They must reduce high-impact activities such as playing football or basketball and eat food that reduces inflammation. A majority of cases get better on their own and do not require surgery.
2. Scoliosis
A curve in the spine is known as scoliosis. It can affect adults due to a bad lifestyle but the most common cases are found in adolescents. They can be affected by scoliosis due to an accident, genetics, or disorders like cerebral palsy (CP). Scoliosis can cause unevenness in different parts of the body like the shoulders, waist, hip, and rib cage.
Treatment is chosen depending on the impact and severity of the spinal curve. Some patients feel better with brace therapy and self-care, while others may require surgery. Scoliosis is a non-curable disease but many patients with scoliosis are able to live a normal life.
3. Sprains in the young teenager
Children’s involvement in physical activities is a great way to spend their energy. But in the excitement, kids can forget to be safe and get injuries like sprains. Strains and sprains are the most prevalent form of orthopedic injury seen in adolescents. A sprain is the tearing or stretching of a ligament mostly occurring in the ankle region. Its treatment involves cold compression, painkiller medicines, and adequate rest. The leg is to be kept bandaged and at an elevated height to reduce the further impact on the strain. After a few days, physical therapy like gentle stretching can also help.
4. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is a rare condition that mostly affects children between 10-15 years of age. In this disorder, due to damage in the growth plate, the femoral head slips from its place. The symptoms include pain in the groin region, stiffness in the hip, limping, and unequal length of the legs. Treatment most often requires surgery and post-physical rehabilitation.
5. Adolescent back pain
Just like the pain experienced by adults, adolescents can also experience back pain due to factors like incorrect posture, unusual straining, overuse of the muscles, or a bad fall. Treatment includes rest, pain medication, and gentle exercises.
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