Growth-Related Pain in
Children and Adolescents
At Nurture Paediatrics, we understand that the growth years of children and adolescents are exciting. Still, they can also come with their challenges—especially when it comes to managing injuries and growth-related pain. These pains can affect a child's ability to stay active, perform well in sports, or even enjoy everyday activities. That’s why our expert team commonly treats common growth-related injuries, including Sever's disease, Osgood-Schlatter's disease, patellofemoral pain, and other growth-related musculoskeletal conditions. Our goal is to ensure your child stays healthy, pain-free, and thriving during these critical years of development.
What is Growth-Related Pain?
Growth-related pain occurs when a child’s bones, muscles, and joints grow at high rates. This often leads to muscle imbalances, incoordination, and increased injury risk. These pains are often seen in children during periods of rapid growth, typically between the ages of 8 and 14. This pain can be very uncomfortable and frustrating for both children and their families.
At Nurture Paediatrics, we are skilled in identifying and treating growth-related pain through a holistic and child-centred approach, focusing on each child's unique needs. Our treatment aims to reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and support optimal development while minimising the risk of long-term injury.
Common Growth-Related Pain Conditions We Treat
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is one of the most common causes of heel pain in growing children. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel (calcaneus) becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress, often from sports like running or jumping. Children may experience pain at the back of the heel, especially after physical activity.
Treatment at Nurture Paediatrics:
Pain management strategies
Comprehensive biomechanical assessment
Stretching and strengthening exercises
Footwear recommendations and orthotic advice
Activity modification to reduce strain
Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a condition that causes pain and swelling just below the knee, at the tibial tuberosity (the bump on the shinbone). It is most common in active children between the ages of 9 and 15 and often occurs during a growth spurt. The pain is typically aggravated by activities such as running, jumping, or squatting.
Treatment at Nurture Paediatrics:
Pain management strategies
Comprehensive biomechanical assessment
Targeted stretching and strengthening exercises
Knee support and modifications to physical activities
Education on proper warm-up and cool-down routines
Footwear recommendations and orthotic advice
Activity modification to reduce strain
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)
Patellofemoral pain, or knee cap pain, is common in active children and adolescents, especially those involved in sports that require running, jumping, and squatting. The pain typically occurs around or behind the knee cap (patella), and may worsen with activities such as stair climbing, running, or sitting for prolonged periods.
Treatment at Nurture Paediatrics:
Pain management strategies
Comprehensive biomechanical assessment
Strengthening exercises to improve quadriceps, hamstring, and hip stability
Stretching to address muscle imbalances
Techniques to improve knee alignment and movement patterns
Guidance on activity modifications and posture adjustments
Other Growth-Related Musculoskeletal Pain
In addition to the above conditions, children may experience pain in various joints due to rapid growth. These conditions can include:
Apophysitis: Inflammation at the site of bone attachment to tendons, commonly seen in the hips, knees, foot and elbows.
Muscle Strains and Tendon Injuries: Strains or overstretching due to an imbalance between muscle growth, coordination and flexibility.
Postural Changes and Alignment Issues: As children grow taller, changes in posture and joint alignment may cause discomfort.