What is Apophysitis?
Apophysitis is a condition characterised by inflammation and irritation of the apophysis, which is the area of a bone where tendons and ligaments attach. It commonly affects growing adolescents, particularly those involved in sports that involve repetitive overuse or sudden stretching of tendons and muscles.
During adolescence, bones are still growing and undergoing changes, which can make them more susceptible to stress and injury. Apophysitis often occurs at sites where muscles and tendons exert a lot of force on the bone during physical activity, and adolescence are more prone to this type of injury than children or adults as they often experience a mismatch between rate of bony growth and muscular/tendinous growth. The most common types of apophysitis include Sever's disease (affecting the heel - otherwise known as calcaneal apophysitis), Osgood-Schlatter disease (affecting the knee), and Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome (affecting the kneecap).
Factors contributing to the development of apophysitis include:
Overuse: Engaging in repetitive activities or sports without adequate rest can lead to stress on the apophysis.
Rapid growth: Adolescents experience growth spurts, which can result in muscle tightness and imbalance, putting additional strain on the apophysis.
Poor biomechanics: Issues such as flat feet, tight muscles, or improper footwear can contribute to abnormal stress on the apophysis.
Sports specialisation: Adolescents who specialise in one sport and engage in intense training year-round are at a higher risk of developing apophysitis due to repetitive stress on specific areas of the body.
Treatment for apophysitis typically involves rest, activity modification, physiotherapy to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, and sometimes the use of orthotics or supportive footwear. Adolescents can recover fully with conservative treatment, although it may take several weeks to months for symptoms to resolve completely.
