Knee Pain
Sinding Larsen Johansson Syndrome
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James McCormack is a Physical Therapist who specializes in knee, foot & ankle injuries. www.james-mccormack.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Sinding-Larsen Johansson syndrome is a painful condition that affects the inferior pole of the patella, at the front of the knee. Read about common symptoms, causes and diagnosis here: Sinding-Larsen Johansson Syndrome.
How is Sinding-Larsen Johansson syndrome treated?
Treatment for Sinding-Larsen Johansson syndrome is primarily rest. The inflammation needs to settle down, therefore the aggravating activities must be avoided or significantly restricted. This often means no running, jumping or high-impact sports.
Other means to reduce inflammation such using ice or taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, if the child is over 12 years old and it is safe to do so. Ice has a good effect on reducing pain and can be used for relief in the early stages of management, or when the knee is aggravated. It is advisable to ice after exercise.
Physical Therapy for Sinding-Larsen Johansson syndrome
A physical therapist can be helpful in not only the diagnosis of Sinding-Larsen Johansson syndrome but also the management and treatment. Initially, treatment will start by limiting activity to some degree. In severe cases a complete break from sport is necessary, but in many cases, especially if caught early activity can be reduced in terms of intensity and volume.
Stretches, foam rolling and massage can all be used for effective treatment of Sinding-Larsen Johansson syndrome. These treatments are for relaxing the quadriceps muscles. If the quadriceps muscles are very tight they will put additional pressure on the inferior pole of the patella when the knee is bent, as well as during exercise.
In addition to relaxing the quadriceps muscles, some exercises might be recommended by a physical therapist. These will aim to work on strengthening muscles in the lower body in order to offload the quadriceps muscle. Typically this will be working on the posterior chain of muscles which comprises of the glutes, hamstrings, and calf muscles. In this phase of physical therapy, an assessment of the movement patterns of the individual is very important. It is a good opportunity to address and imbalances of strength and flexibility or any poor control of movement.
Taping for Sinding-Larsen Johansson syndrome
For pain relief, taping the knee can be effective for some people. Applying either elasticated tape, such as Kinesio Tape, or ridged tape can help to make the knee feel more supported. This is useful when the condition is less severe and activity can be continued at a modified volume and/or intensity. Click to see How to Apply Kinesio Tape for Sinding-Larsen Johansson syndrome. And to Buy Kinesio Tape.
Braces and Straps for Sinding-Larsen Johansson Syndrome
There are two kinds of knee braces that can be used. An elasticated knee brace will offer compression and might make the knee feel supported. Or an infrapatellar knee strap, like those used for patellar tendonitis, can be used. When activities are reduced but not completely restricted, straps and braces are often used to make the activity less painful.
Is Sinding-Larsen Johansson syndrome permanent?
Sinding-Larsen Johansson syndrome is the irritation of an open bone growth plate of the patella. Therefore, recovery will occur once the child has finished growing and the growth plate has closed. Occasionally symptoms may persist for a few months after the growth plates has closed.
Is Sinding-Larsen Johansson syndrome the same as Osgood-Schlatter?
Both Sinding-Larsen Johansson syndrome and Osgood-Schlatter are types of apophysitis. Apophysitis is inflammation of an open growth plate. Sinding-Larsen Johansson syndrome is patellar apophysitis and Osgood-Schlatter is tibial tubercle apophysitis. Therefore they are the same in terms of pathology but unique in terms of location.
Is Sinding Larsen Johansson syndrome serious?
While it can be very painful and therefore limit activity, Sinding Larsen Johansson syndrome is rarely associated with any long-term limitations. In most cases, it will settle with periods of rest.
Physiotherapy with James McCormack
This is not medical advice. We recommend a consultation with a medical professional such as James McCormack. He offers Online Physiotherapy Appointments for £45.