top of page
Football Teammates

Children & Adolescent Sports Injuries – Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

Key Points

  • Growing children and teenagers are more vulnerable to sports injuries because bones, muscles, and tendons develop at different speeds.

  • Common conditions include Osgood-Schlatter Disease, Sever’s Disease, growth plate injuries, and overuse conditions such as shin splints.

  • Serious but rare risks include cardiac conditions in the young, which can be screened with an ECG.

  • At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, we combine diagnostic ultrasound, osteopathic care, and rehab to help children recover safely and stay active.

Osgood-Schlatter Disease (Knee Pain in Children)

  • One of the most common causes of knee pain in children aged 10–15, especially during growth spurts.

  • Caused by irritation of the tibial growth plate where the patellar tendon attaches.

  • Leads to pain, swelling, and a bony lump below the kneecap.

  • We use diagnostic ultrasound to confirm the cause and guide activity modification and rehab.
    👉 Read more about Osgood-Schlatter Disease 

Sever’s Disease (Heel Pain in Children)

  • The most common cause of heel pain in children aged 8–14, often during growth spurts.

  • Caused by repetitive pulling of the Achilles tendon on the heel growth plate.

  • Symptoms include pain, swelling, and limping after sport.

  • Ultrasound helps confirm diagnosis and rule out Achilles tendinopathy or bursitis.
    👉 Read more about Sever’s Disease

Growth Plate Injuries

  • Growth plates (areas of developing bone) are weaker than surrounding bone and tendons, making them vulnerable.

  • Can occur in the knee, heel, hip, elbow, and shoulder.

  • Injuries range from overuse-related irritation to small fractures.

  • Diagnostic ultrasound allows us to check for growth plate involvement and prevent misdiagnosis as simple sprains or strains.

Overuse Injuries in Children

  • Young athletes often suffer overuse injuries when training intensity increases too quickly.

  • Common examples: shin splints, patellar tendinitis, IT band irritation, and muscle strains.

  • Risk factors: rapid growth, poor footwear, training errors, and inadequate rest.

  • We provide rehab, training advice, and load management to keep children active and safe.
    👉 Read about Shin Splints

Cardiac Risk in the Young

  • Rare but serious heart conditions can cause sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes.

  • Often due to inherited or undiagnosed problems such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, long QT syndrome, or ARVC.

  • Symptoms may be absent, but warning signs include fainting, palpitations, or chest pain with exertion.

  • At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic we offer ECG screening and health checks, with referral pathways if abnormalities are detected.
    👉 Read more about Cardiac Risk in the Young

Why Choose Bromley Sports Injury Clinic?

✅ Child-friendly environment with expertise in paediatric and adolescent conditions
✅ Diagnostic ultrasound to confirm diagnosis and rule out other causes
✅ Osteopathic care and rehab tailored to growing athletes
✅ ECG cardiac screening for young athletes and those with family history of heart problems
✅ Close links with referral specialists when further imaging or hospital care is needed

Book Your Appointment

Don’t let sports injuries or health concerns affect your child’s wellbeing. Book a children’s sports injury assessment in Bromley today for peace of mind, early diagnosis, and safe recovery.

📍 Bromley Sports Injury Clinic | Same-week appointments available

Reviewed by: Geoff Gardener, Registered Osteopath (GOsC 8289) — Director, Bromley Sports Injury Clinic
Credentials: Osteopath · ECG Technician · Advanced DSE Assessor · Manual Handling Trainer · Phlebotomist
Regulatory information: CQC Provider — Colmore Health Limited (ID: 1-18387136912)
Last medically reviewed: 03 October 2025
Next review due: 03 April 2026
About Geoff · Editorial Policy · Report an issue

Clinical content is written and peer-reviewed by our clinicians. Care pathways may include musculoskeletal ultrasound, rehabilitation, blood tests, or onward referral where appropriate.

Bromley Sports Injury Clinic is a trading name of Colmore Health Limited, a company registered in England and Wales (Company No.10522958), registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

Privacy Statement & Complaints

bottom of page