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What is a traction apophysitis?
Traction apophysitis is a term used for a group of ‘conditions’ that tends to affect children who are having a ‘growth spurt’.
The two most common conditions are:
- Osgood-Schlatter Disease (Tibial apophysitis)
- Severs Disease (Calcaneal apophysitis)
Osgood-Schlatter Disease (Tibial apophysitis)
This tends to affect children aged 11 to 15 and is more common in boys. The main symptom is pain just below the front of the knee; sometimes there is also a tender lump. Often, the pain is noticed after a high level of physical activity but with rest it tends to settle.
Osgood-Schlatter disease is probably the result of rapid growth and pulling of the quadriceps tendon around the growth plate of the knee.
Severs disease (Calcaneal apophysitis)
This tends to affect children aged 7 to 12 and is more common in boys. The main symptom is heel pain where the Achilles tendon joins the heel bone.
Often, the pain is noticed after a high level of physical activity but with rest it tends to settle.
Severs disease is probably the result of rapid growth and pulling of the Achilles tendon around the growth plate of the heel.
How are these conditions treated?
These conditions will get better on their own as your child rests. However, pain may start again with a high level of physical activity and possibly take weeks or months to settle completely. Traction apophysitis conditions are not the cause of any long term problems like arthritis.
If the symptoms are causing a lot of pain, it may be wise to stop the activities which cause the pain. However, your child may be allowed to continue sporting activities if they are willing to put up with the discomfort caused by the activity.
If symptoms are mild, then treatment may not be needed.
Our aim is to provide information that will help you understand your child’s injury and enable the appropriate after-care. There are lots of useful injury leaflets to download at the Royal Alexandra website.
Useful numbers
NHS 111 – 24hr advice line
Practice Plus
Brighton Walk-In Centre
0333 321 0946
Practice Plus GP
0300 130 3333
7 days a week
8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Disclaimer
The information in this leaflet is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended
to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.