Orthopedic Health Problems in Adolescents

There are many types of physical problems which are encountered during adolescence. These problems if un-attended can impact the entire development of the body. Body areas such as knee, ankle and spine etc in adolescents are prone to develop orthopedic problems such as slipped capital femoral epiphysis and Osgood-Schlatter disease.

An injury to the knee or its over use can result in Osgood-Schlatter disease. This leads to pain and swelling above the shin bone region. Inflammation can also result to the soft tissues or the patella because of this disease. Mostly those who are active sports participants develop this type of disease. Also those who engaged in gymnastics or ballet are also prone towards developing this disease. Teenage boys and girls are more likely to develop this condition.

For treating this disease, the doctor will first of all check the age, history and overall health of the patient. Treatment will include rest, compression, elevation, medications and physical therapy. Efforts will be made to bring the knee pain under control by limiting the extent of physical activities undertaken by the adolescent. In rare cases this disease may require surgery; otherwise it can get healed by itself over a period of time.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis mainly affects the hip joint. The femoral head slips from the neck of the thigh bone causing the hip joint to become painful and stiff. This condition can result in both or one hip. It is commonly seen among boys when compared to girls. Basically, those who are overweight can develop this condition. It can also result from trauma in which case it is called an acute slip. If it develops over a period of time it is called chronic slip. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis can result from radiation treatment, medications, chemotherapy and thyroid problems.

Any abnormality can be studied from the X-ray or the magnetic resonance imaging which will give a detailed image of the body structures. This condition can be treated easily if diagnosed in the early stages. Along with physical therapy, the adolescent may have to undergo surgery for acute cases of this disease.