Apophysitis is an injury to the cartilage of a growth plate in children that are still skeletally immature. The apophysis is an area of growth where a tendon connects a muscle to a developing bone. There are apophyseal sites located all over the body, and are often times irritated by repetitive traction stress or a direct contact injury. This bony area will eventually develop into mature bone following puberty, making it a specific injury that is present only in children or young adolescents.
Condition
What Is Apophysitis?
Types of Apophysitis
- Islelin’s disease: Apophysis of the outside edge of the middle of the foot
- Sever’s Apophysitis: Apophysis are the heel of the foot
- Osgood-Schlatter’s disease: Apophysitis in the front of the knee below the knee cap
- Sinding Larsen Johansen: Apophysitis in the front of the knee above the knee cap
- Iliac crest: Apophysitis of the bony part of the hip near the waist
- Little league elbow: Apophysitis of the bony part of the inner elbow
- Little league shoulder: Apophysitis of the upper part of arm in shoulder
How To Tell if a Child Has Apophysitis
Pain with activity
Pain with activity is a common symptom. Often the individual may be able to play with minimal pain initially, but as it worsens, they will show changes in how they play, and may even want to sit out of play. If pain happens in the lower body, the child may be limping. If pain happens in the upper body, they could have difficulty doing activities like throwing or brushing their hair.
Tenderness to direct pressure
There will be mild swelling over an area of pain. If a child pushes through the pain, they can risk traction on the site and potentially causing the tendon to pull bone away. This causes an avulsion injury, and results in a worsening pain or "pop".
Treatments We Offer
Our specialists will review your symptoms and perform a physical examine the injured area.
These include:
- X-ray
- Diagnostic ultrasound
There are many additional ways Children’s Wisconsin experts care for apophysitis in youth and adolescents including:
- Rest
- Ice
- Activity modification
- Progressive return to play
- Physical therapy — Stretching and strengthening
- Athletic training
Why Choose Children’s Wisconsin for Apophysitis Management
Expert pediatric care: At Children’s Wisconsin, our Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Programs specialize in all areas of orthopedic care, from trauma and fracture care, to sports medicine and concussion care. We treat all orthopedic conditions, from routine to serious. Kids are not just little adults, and require unique, individualized care for their developing little bodies. Our doctors are pediatric experts and every doctor specializes 100% in kids and teens.
Our Doctors
At Children's Wisconsin, our doctors are 100% committed to the health and well-being of kids. They care for every aspect of a child's health, including their physical, social, dental and mental well-being. We are a community of dedicated professionals who shares an unwavering passion to care for kids whenever and wherever they need us.