Knee Injuries Seen in Gymnasts

Knee pain in young gymnasts is a common complaint. Many times these young athletes begin having pain due to overuse of the area. A common overuse injury is Osgood-Schlatters disease (OSD). OSD is inflammation of the patellar ligament below the kneecap. Often, there is a painful bump below the kneecap (the tibial tuberosity) where the ligament attaches.

What Causes OSD?

OSD is usually seen in children who are growing or undergoing a growth spurt. During running or jumping activities, the tendon of the quadriceps muscle pulls on the bone near the growth plate below the kneecap which can lead to irritation, pain, and swelling. Boys tend to experience OSD between the ages of 12-14 where girls tend to experience between the ages of 10-13.

Symptoms of OSD

Pain below kneecap, on top of shin bone
Pain is worse with activities
Most pain occurs during running and jumping activities
Swelling at tibial tubercle (below kneecap)
Tight muscles in front or back of thigh

Treatment of OSD for Gymnasts

Oftentimes, OSD pain will resolve when children stop growing. However, physical therapy can help with the pain during the window in which symptoms are aggravated. Physical therapy can help with stretching of tight muscles that may be contributing to the symptoms. Furthermore, many young children can benefit from strengthening programs for hips and ankles to help decrease the stress across the painful knee joint.

For some children, a period of rest may be required to decrease inflammation. Limiting running and jumping activities as well as limiting participation in sports is an example of a rest period. Ice can also help with decreasing symptoms initially. Some children also benefit from a knee strap, which, when worn below the kneecap, can help relieve pain when performing activities.

Recommendations for Training

Ensure that there is equal strength throughout your legs on both sides
Focus on flexibility for both sides
- Stretch your quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles
Walking should be pain-free before returning to higher level activities such as running or tumbling
Begin with light jogging and walking through any dance portions of your floor routine
Practice proper jumping and landing mechanics
- When landing, toes should land first, then the ball of foot, then heels as if rolling through the foot. Also push the buttocks backward as if sitting into a chair to prevent knees from going forward past the toes for both landing and jump take off.
Running to vault, tumbling, dismounts will be progressed to last
Modifications to the landing surface like adding a sting mat and limiting number of repetitions may also be required when returning to sport-specific activities

Seek Treatment at the First Sign of Pain

If your young athlete beings to experience pain, don’t wait for it to resolve. Schedule a Free Assessment at an Athletico near you. Free Assessments are available in-clinic and virtually through our Telehealth platform.