Traction apophysitis

Overuse injuries are undoubtedly one of the most frequent cause of pain in adolescent athletes which can result in limitation in sport activities and competition, prolonged pain and psychological consequences. We see different forms of this condition regarding the anatomical region at insertion sites of major tendons. Usually we treat conditions of the lower extremities like Osgood-Schlatter or Sinding-Larssen-Johansson disease. We diagnose less frequently overuse injuries of the upper extremities like Little League shoulder or elbow. Commonly they present with pain after activities and limitation in range of motion. Each form has to be treated slightly differently, initially with resting, followed by physical or local therapy. Besides presenting the most important and usual forms of traction apophysitis, we emphasize the aspects of prevention and point out some ideas regarding training techniques.