Lower extremity conditions are ones that occur in the lower body to include thigh, knee, shins or ankles. These conditions can result from a direct injury to an area such as a hit or kick or due to continued poor lower body mechanics with activity. As kids and adolescents are growing and developing rapidly, the mechanics of their lower body can change as they increase in height or size. This change often results in changes to how their body moves with physical activity, as well as imbalances in their strength and flexibility. Specifically when kids and teens are active in athletic activity during this period of growth, they are susceptible to lower body injuries.

Our orthopedics and sports medicine specialists at Children’s Wisconsin treat all types of lower extremity injuries. Some common lower extremity injuries include:

• Anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL):  The ACL is a ligament on the inside of your knee that connects the thigh bone to the shin bone, and prevents your lower leg from shifting forward when you move. An injury to the ACL is known as an ACL sprain (or tear) and is an injury that can occur in sports that require sudden stops, change of direction or jumping and landing.
• IT band syndrome: Pain on the outside of the knee or hip caused by the tendon in the outside of your thigh rubbing against the hip or knee bone
• Lateral collateral ligament injury (LCL): The LCL is located on the outside of your knee joint and connects the outside aspect of your thigh and shin bone. This ligament can be injured from activity and range from a mild sprain to a severe tear
• Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury: The MCL is located on the inside of your knee joint and connects the inside aspect of your thigh and shin bone. This ligament can be injured from activity and range from a mild sprain to a severe tear
• Meniscus tear: A tear in the C-shaped piece cartilage that acts as a cushion between your thigh and shin bones
• Patellar tendonitis: Tenderness right below the kneecap, commonly caused by the knee joint repeatedly being pulled on, causing inflammation and pain during jumping activities.
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome: Common knee problem in which pain occurs under and around the kneecap
• Shin splints: Pain over the shin area, commonly caused by excessive running, running on hard surfaces or improper shoe wear.

Our specialists use a combination of history, physical exam and imaging tests for diagnosis of lower extremity conditions. These tests include:

• Diagnostic ultrasound
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• X-Ray

In addition to rest and activity modifications, there are other ways Children’s Wisconsin experts care for lower extremity conditions in youth and adolescents including:

• Medications: To help reduce pain and swelling, medications may be prescribed. These are usually NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These medications include ibuprofen and naproxen. They may be over-the-counter or prescription. Your health care provider will tell you what types and dosage are best for your child. Give these medications to your child only as prescribed.
• Resting from activity: This means stopping or modifying any activity that stresses the lower body, specifically from high impact activities.
• Athletic training: Working with the licensed athletic trainer at your school, can help support the rehab and pain management needs as a young athlete goes through the treatment plan for an injury.
• Bracing or casting: Your child may be fitted with a brace to wear for a few weeks to months. This brace takes stress off the injured area, allowing symptoms to improve.
• Physical therapy: Stretching and strengthening the muscles around the injured area, as well as improving overall body mechanics, flexibility and strength can help relieve symptoms due to these conditions. Your doctor may refer your child to a physical therapist (PT) for a course of physical therapy and exercises.
• Surgery: Some types of overuse injuries may be treated with nonsurgical means, however in some cases surgery may need to be done. The type of surgery and recommendations vary based on the condition.

Expert pediatric care: At Children’s Wisconsin, our Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Programs specializes in all areas of orthopedic care, from trauma, spine 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.