Osgood-Schlatter's Disease by Mark Johnson P.T.

Knee pain is a common complaint of young athletes. While there are potentially many causes of knee pain, we often associate this pain with a child's growth spurt.

Tibial osteochondrosis, also known as Osgood-Schlatter's disease, is one of the conditions associated with growth pains. This condition is more commonly seen in boys than girls. It usually affects boys ages 10 to 15 and girls ages 8-13.

Symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter's disease include tenderness to the touch just below the kneecap. Swelling of the bony prominence below the kneecap is usually associated with this tenderness. Activities that increase symptoms of pain include jumping, running and kneeling.

To help prevent such problems it is beneficial for athletes to warm-up and stretch prior to activities. The three muscle groups of particular interest are the hamstrings, quadriceps and heel cords. Treatment options include a combination of stretching the muscle groups listed above, modification of activity and icing the area after activity. Other possible treatments include the use of a patella tendon strap or strapping tape.

This problem usually subsides with age. If you feel that this condition may be affecting someone in your family contact your physician or give us a call at PTSR.

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Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome by Brent Weston, P.T.

The iliotibial band is a band of connective tissue that runs down the outer thigh from the hip joint to the knee joint. As the knee bends and straightens repeatedly, such as in running or walking, a tight or swollen iliotibial band can rub on a portion of the femur or thighbone, causing sharp knee pain. The pain will often be worse after running long distances or with running on uneven terrain.

This problem can often be difficult to diagnose due to the variety of conditions that can cause knee pain. A physical therapist can assess a patient's flexibility, range of motion, strength and walking pattern to determine if this could be the cause of knee pain.

The physical therapist can then teach the patient the appropriate stretching and strengthening activities to improve flexibility of the band and ensure proper walking and running mechanics. Also, the use of orthotics or special shoe inserts may be indicated to improve mechanics. Finally, treatment such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation and ice may be used to decrease swelling and pain and taping may also be used to help reduce pain and allow return to activity.  

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome by Chad Phinney, P.T.

I bet you cannot say that three times real fast. Well, if you can, you have a faster tongue than I do. Now, how many of you can tell me what patellofemoral pain syndrome is?

Do you have pain in your knees when you go down the stairs? Do your knees have a dull aching sensation behind your kneecaps? Are your knees aggravated by long periods of squatting or kneeling? If the answer to any of these questions is yes; then you might be suffering from patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome can be caused by many things including: overuse activities like running and jumping, malalignment of the kneecap, flat feet and muscle weakness. Treatment of this condition generally includes a combination of activity modification, strengthening exercises, taping or bracing and possibly the use of anti-inflammatory medications.

Any individual who is experiencing these symptoms should consult their doctor or if you have questions please feel free to call PTSR at 462-8824.  

Tennis Elbow by Julie Sheridan, OTR/L, CHT

Have you ever wondered how you can develop tennis elbow if you do not play tennis?  Most elbow tendonitis results from activities causing repeated motions or strain to the tendons attaching at the elbow.  You don’t have to be an avid tennis player to get tennis elbow.  Tennis elbow is an irritation of the tendons on the outside of your elbow.

Recover from tendonitis of the elbow requires you to rest the tissues involved and reduce inflammation.  Avoid activities that cause pain.  The use of a support or brace at the wrist and/or counterforce brace at the elbow can reduce stress on the tendon.  Apply ice packs or ice massage several times a day to reduce inflammation, gentle stretching is also helpful in the recovery process and should be done on a regular basis when performing activities that an stress the elbow.  Once pain symptoms have diminished, you can start on a total arm strengthening program.  This will reduce you risk of future flare-ups and you can go back to performing the activities you once did with reduced risk of injury.  If you have any questions about tennis elbow or other conditions, please contact PTSR.  

High Ankle Sprains by Gene Parks, P.T.

In recent years an ankle injury known as a high ankle sprain has become a frequently diagnosed injury. This diagnosis is commonly seen in all sports and at all levels of competition.

Just what is a high ankle sprain? It is an injury to the anterior tibiofibular ligament, posterior tibiofibular ligament or both. These ligaments are located at the lower end of the two leg bones, just above the ankle.

Some health professionals feel it will take 4 to 6 weeks to return an athlete with a high ankle sprain to competition. We at Physical Therapy and Sports Rehab feel that with proper management of the acute phase (within 24 hours) we can dramatically reduce the recovery time. The traditional treatment, ice/compression/elevation still applies. We believe that with proper management of swelling, activity levels, proper stabilization, an athlete can return to competition much sooner. Unlike a lower ankle sprain, taping the high ankle sprain with a specialized taping technique is vital for quick and complete recovery. Call PTSR with any questions at 462-8824.  

Let’s Drink Up by Pat Rogers-Murphy, P.T.

The August heat is well upon us and the fall season sports practices are underway.  Dehydration is always a concern but especially threatening with multiple daily practices combined with the high temperatures and humidity.  Thirst alone is not an adequate indicator of fluid needs.  As thirst does not occur until the player has lost 2% of his or her body weight.  Hydration should be ongoing throughout physical exertion to prevent physical symptoms such as thirst, headaches, or muscle cramping.  Dark yellow urine is a sign of marked dehydration.  Dehydration can lead to serious metabolic and physiological changes and possibly even death.

Players can easily lose 10 to 12 pounds of fluid during a practice session (1.5 gallons).  Players should be encouraged to weigh before and after practice.  To avoid dehydration, participant should be encouraged to hydrate well before, during and after practice.  Researchers recommend 6 to 8 oz. of fluid every 15 minutes.

There is continued controversy concerning the value of sports drinks versus water.  The edge still appears to be in favor of water.  The biggest factor in favor of sports drinks is that if given the opportunity kids prefer to drink larger amounts of sports drink and; therefore, remain better hydrated.

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