During adolescence, the musculoskeletal system undergoes significant changes and growth, which can make adolescents vulnerable to certain conditions. Here are some of the typical musculoskeletal conditions that affect the adolescent age group:
Scoliosis: Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve sideways. It can develop during adolescence and progress rapidly during periods of rapid growth. Scoliosis can cause back pain, breathing problems, and in severe cases, spinal deformity.
Osteochondritis dissecans: Osteochondritis dissecans is a condition that affects the joints, especially the knees, ankles, and elbows. It is caused by the separation of a piece of cartilage and bone from the joint surface, which can lead to pain and limited joint movement.
Osgood-Schlatter disease: Osgood-Schlatter disease is a condition that affects the knee, specifically the growth plate at the top of the shinbone. It is common in adolescent athletes and can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness around the knee.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome: Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a condition that affects the knee joint. It is caused by the misalignment of the kneecap and can cause pain and stiffness in the knee, especially during physical activity.
Ankle sprains: Ankle sprains are a common injury among adolescents, especially those who participate in sports. It occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.
Growth plate injuries: The growth plates are areas of developing cartilage in the bones of children and adolescents. Injuries to the growth plate can result in abnormal bone growth and lead to deformities or limb-length discrepancies.
It is important for adolescents to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle while taking precautions to prevent injury and seek medical attention if any musculoskeletal symptoms arise.