How to Care for Your Child with Apophysitis

Apophysitis is usually caused by doing the same movements over and over, which leads to the repeated use or overuse of muscles or tendons attached to the bone.

• The main symptoms are pain, and sometimes swelling, at the site where the muscle or tendon attaches to the bone.
• Any movement at the site of Apophysitis can make the pain and swelling worse.

• Apophysitis is mainly diagnosed through a physical examination by a healthcare provider and through investigating your child’s history.
• At later stages of Apophysitis, the doctor may order X-rays to detect possible changes in the bone.

• Apophysitis is usually treated with simple pain medicines like paracetamol (also known as Panadol) and other medicines to reduce swelling like ibuprofen.
• Resting the affected area is often part of the initial treatment, with a gradual/slow return to regular activities.
• Physical therapy can also help your child return to their regular movements and activities.

Follow the below instructions to help care for your child at home:

• Rest the affected area.
• Avoid movements that cause pain.
• Use ice packs to reduce swelling and pain if appropriate.
• Use simple pain medicines like paracetamol.

• Has any unexplained or severe pain.
• If the pain is starts suddenly and very severe.
• If the pain worsens despite using pain relievers.
• If there is a history of injury to the area.
• If there is a history of bone or joint problems, or more than one area seems to be affected.
• If there are any other symptoms like fever, vomiting, or a rash.
• If your child is unwell, or if you are concerned.
• Has episodes of symptoms like fever, vomiting, or reduced level of consciousness.