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Common Ankle Ligament Injuries

John Miller Physiotherapist Zoe Russell Physiotherapist
Article by
John Miller, Zoe Russell
physiotherapist assessing ankle joint mobility with passive movement during ankle injury examination

Ankle joint assessment during physiotherapy

Common ankle ligament injuries usually happen when the foot rolls, twists, or lands awkwardly. The most common pattern is a lateral ankle sprain, which affects the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. A high ankle sprain affects the ligament system above the ankle joint and often takes longer to recover.

After a rolled ankle, early assessment can help separate a simple sprain from a more significant ligament injury, fracture concern, syndesmosis injury, or another cause of ongoing ankle pain. A clear diagnosis and staged rehabilitation may help reduce repeated sprains, stiffness, and long-term instability.

Common signs of ankle ligament injuries

  • pain after rolling, twisting, or landing awkwardly
  • swelling or bruising around the ankle
  • pain with walking, stairs, running, or sport
  • tenderness over the outside or inside ankle ligaments
  • a feeling that the ankle may give way
  • pain higher above the ankle in some sprains

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What are common ankle ligament injuries?

Common ankle ligament injuries affect the strong bands of tissue that help stabilise the ankle during walking, landing, and change of direction. The most common injury is a lateral ankle sprain. This usually involves the anterior talofibular ligament, the calcaneofibular ligament, or both.

Less often, the deltoid ligament on the inside of the ankle is injured. A syndesmosis injury, often called a high ankle sprain, affects the ligaments between the tibia and fibula above the ankle joint.

  • Lateral ligament injuries: usually occur when the foot rolls inwards and stresses the outer ankle.
  • Deltoid ligament injuries: affect the inner ankle and can occur with a stronger twisting injury.
  • Syndesmosis injuries: involve the ligaments above the ankle joint and often feel worse with twisting or pushing off.

Which ankle ligaments are most often injured?

The anterior talofibular ligament is the most commonly injured ankle ligament. It often gets injured first during a lateral ankle sprain, especially when the foot points down and rolls in. With more force, the calcaneofibular ligament may also be injured. The posterior talofibular ligament is less commonly injured.

Ankle anatomy in simple terms

The main ankle joint joins the tibia, fibula, and talus. Below it sits the subtalar joint, which helps the foot adapt to uneven ground. Ligaments connect these bones and help stop excessive movement, especially during walking, landing, cutting, and sport.

What causes common ankle ligament injuries?

Most ankle ligament injuries happen after a twist, roll, awkward landing, sudden change of direction, or contact in sport. Previous sprains, reduced ankle strength, poor balance, and returning to sport too early can all increase your risk. If the ankle stays painful or unstable, related problems such as anterior ankle impingement or a repeat sprained ankle may also need review.

How do you know whether it is a low or high ankle sprain?

A low ankle sprain usually causes pain and swelling around the outside of the ankle. A high ankle sprain often causes pain above the ankle joint, especially with twisting, walking, cutting, or pushing off. High ankle sprains can take longer to recover because the syndesmosis helps control the joint between the lower leg bones.

Low vs high ankle sprain

  • Low ankle sprain: pain and swelling usually sit around the outside ankle ligaments.
  • High ankle sprain: pain often sits higher above the ankle and may worsen with twisting.
  • Recovery: high ankle sprains often need a slower and more careful return to running or sport.

What symptoms suggest an ankle ligament injury?

Symptoms depend on which ligament is involved and how severe the injury is. Mild sprains may mainly cause local tenderness and swelling. More severe injuries can make weight-bearing difficult and leave the ankle feeling unstable.

  • pain on the outside or inside of the ankle
  • swelling and bruising
  • pain with walking, running, jumping, or stairs
  • tenderness over the injured ligament
  • a feeling that the ankle may give way
  • pain higher above the ankle in syndesmosis injuries

How are common ankle ligament injuries diagnosed?

A physiotherapist will usually assess how the injury happened, where your pain sits, how much swelling you have, and whether you can walk. They may test ligament tenderness, ankle movement, loading tolerance, balance, and functional control. If your symptoms suggest a fracture, severe syndesmosis injury, or another structural problem, imaging may be recommended.

If you want broad public-health advice on early care, Healthdirect’s guide to sprained ankle management is a useful reference.

Lateral ankle ligament assessment with physiotherapist palpating anterior talofibular ligament

Lateral ankle ligament assessment

Why are ankle ligament injuries sometimes missed?

Ankle ligament injuries can overlap with fractures, tendon injuries, joint impingement, cartilage irritation, or syndesmosis injuries. A high ankle sprain may be missed when every rolled ankle is treated as a simple lateral sprain.

Ongoing pain after an apparently simple sprain may also point to a ligament tear, persistent instability, or another ankle diagnosis that needs more specific rehabilitation.

How can physiotherapy help ankle ligament injuries?

Physiotherapy for ankle ligament injuries usually starts by calming pain and swelling, protecting the ankle where needed, and helping you regain comfortable walking. Rehabilitation then progresses to mobility, calf and ankle strength, balance, landing control, and sport-specific loading.

Early stage focus

Early rehabilitation usually focuses on settling pain and swelling, restoring safe weight-bearing, and regaining comfortable ankle movement. Advice on load, strapping, bracing, footwear, or walking support may also help during this phase.

Progressive rehab focus

As symptoms improve, rehabilitation shifts toward calf and ankle strength, balance, direction-change control, landing mechanics, and graded return to running or sport. This matters because pain can settle before ankle control has fully recovered.

Concussion return to sport balance test performed by athlete with physiotherapist assessment

Balance training to improve ankle stability

Typical physiotherapy treatment may include

  • advice on early load modification and safe activity
  • manual therapy where stiffness limits motion
  • ankle and calf strengthening
  • balance and proprioception training
  • strapping or bracing advice when appropriate
  • graded return-to-running or return-to-sport planning

Why do ankle sprains keep recurring?

Ankle sprains often recur when swelling settles but strength, balance, and landing control have not fully returned. Some people regain walking before they regain ankle stability. This can increase the risk of rolling the ankle again during sport, uneven-ground walking, or fast direction changes.

How does balance training help reduce reinjury risk?

Balance training helps your ankle respond faster to sudden movement. It also improves control through the foot, calf, and lower leg. This type of rehabilitation is useful after lateral ankle sprains because it may reduce repeated giving way, improve confidence, and support a safer return to activity.

When should you seek help for an ankle ligament injury?

You should get your ankle assessed if you cannot comfortably take a few steps, swelling is severe, pain sits high above the ankle, the ankle keeps giving way, or symptoms are not improving over the first week. Repeated sprains also deserve review because ongoing instability can affect sport, work, and confidence with walking.

Related ankle injury pages

FAQs about common ankle ligament injuries

What is the most common ankle ligament injury?

The most common ankle ligament injury is a lateral ankle sprain. It usually affects the anterior talofibular ligament on the outside of the ankle.

How long do ankle ligament injuries take to heal?

Mild injuries may improve over a few weeks. More significant sprains and high ankle sprains often take longer. Recovery depends on swelling, pain, stability, walking tolerance, and whether strength and balance return properly.

Can you walk on a torn ankle ligament?

Sometimes you can walk with a torn or stretched ankle ligament, especially with a mild or moderate sprain. However, pain, swelling, and instability may still mean the ankle needs assessment and a graded recovery plan.

What is the difference between a low and high ankle sprain?

A low ankle sprain affects the ligaments around the outside of the ankle joint. A high ankle sprain affects the ligaments between the tibia and fibula above the ankle and often causes pain higher up.

Do ankle ligament injuries heal without surgery?

Many ankle ligament injuries improve without surgery. Assessment, appropriate protection, and progressive rehabilitation are often used first. Surgery is usually considered only for selected severe injuries or persistent instability that has not improved with conservative care.

Why does my ankle keep rolling after a sprain?

Repeated rolling can happen when strength, balance, landing control, or confidence have not fully returned. Persistent giving way after a sprain should be reassessed.

Running during football after ankle injury recovery with physiotherapist observing progress

Return to running after ankle rehabilitation

What to do next

If you think you have injured your ankle ligaments, book an assessment to clarify whether it is a simple lateral sprain, a high ankle sprain, or another ankle injury. A physiotherapist can guide pain control, movement, strength, balance, and your safe return to work, walking, exercise, or sport.

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Ankle Products

These ankle products are commonly used by our physiotherapists to improve ankle pain, strength, balance, proprioception, endurance and flexibility, plus assist home exercise programs.

View all ankle products

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References

  1. Martin RL, Davenport TE, Fraser JJ, et al. Lateral ankle ligament sprains: revision 2021. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2021;51(4):CPG1-CPG80. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.0302
  2. Wagemans J, Bleakley C, Taeymans J, Schurz AP, Kuppens K, et al. Exercise-based rehabilitation reduces reinjury following acute lateral ankle sprain: a systematic review update with meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2022;17(2):e0262023. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0262023
  3. Guo Y, Cheng T, Yang Z, Huang Y, Li M, Wang T. A systematic review and meta-analysis of balance training in patients with chronic ankle instability. Syst Rev. 2024;13(1):64. doi:10.1186/s13643-024-02455-x
  4. Melanson SW, Shuman VL. Acute Ankle Sprain. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026.

Common Causes of Foot Pain

John Miller Physiotherapist Erin Runge Physiotherapist
Article by John Miller & Erin Runge

Foot pain can come from joints, tendons, nerves, bones, or loading problems.

Common causes of foot pain include overuse injuries, tendon problems, nerve irritation, arthritis, and changes in foot biomechanics. Foot pain can affect walking, running, work, and daily comfort, so identifying the likely source early helps guide the right treatment and next steps.

Many cases relate to local structures in the foot, while others link to nearby regions such as the ankle, calf, or lower back. If you are unsure where your symptoms fit, start with our foot pain hub and related pages on heel pain, ankle pain, and calf pain.

Physiotherapist assessing foot pain through arch and ankle movement testing

Foot pain often starts during simple daily movements such as standing or walking.

Early foot pain may feel like stiffness, aching, sharp loading pain, or discomfort when you first get moving after rest.

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Common signs linked to foot pain

  • Pain with walking, running, or standing
  • Morning stiffness or first-step pain
  • Swelling, bruising, or local tenderness
  • Burning, tingling, or numbness
  • Pain that worsens with load or certain shoes

What are the common causes of foot pain?

The common causes of foot pain include soft tissue irritation, tendon overload, nerve irritation, joint degeneration, poor loading tolerance, and traumatic injury. The exact cause often depends on where the pain sits, what activities aggravate it, and whether symptoms began gradually or after a specific incident.

Some causes affect the heel or arch, while others affect the forefoot, midfoot, toes, or ankle region. Below are some of the more common contributors.

Foot injuries

Tendon injuries

Bone and growth-related causes

Ligament and traumatic ankle injuries

Degenerative and inflammatory causes

Biomechanical and nerve-related causes

Systemic contributors

Physiotherapist assessing foot pain through arch and ankle movement testing

A physiotherapy assessment helps identify the most likely source of foot pain.

Assessment may include walking analysis, foot loading tests, joint movement checks, strength testing, and footwear review.

What do these causes of foot pain mean for you?

Foot pain can range from mild irritation to a more persistent problem that affects walking, work, exercise, or sport. Short-term symptoms sometimes settle with load reduction, footwear changes, and simple care, but ongoing or worsening pain often suggests a more specific issue that needs targeted treatment.

The exact location of your symptoms matters. Heel pain may point towards plantar fasciopathy, pain behind the ankle may relate to Achilles tendinopathy, and forefoot pain may fit conditions such as metatarsalgia or Morton’s neuroma.

When should you be concerned about foot pain?

You should be more concerned about foot pain if it lasts more than one to two weeks, becomes sharper with walking, causes swelling, or limits your ability to bear weight. These patterns can indicate a more persistent tendon, joint, nerve, or bone issue.

Signs you should get foot pain checked

  • Pain lasting longer than 1–2 weeks
  • Sharp or worsening pain when walking
  • Swelling, bruising, or marked tenderness
  • Difficulty standing or weight-bearing
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain
  • Pain stopping sport, work, or daily activity

Not sure what is causing your foot pain? A physiotherapy assessment can help identify the likely source of symptoms and guide the right treatment plan.

How is the cause of foot pain diagnosed?

The cause of foot pain is usually diagnosed through a combination of symptom history, foot and ankle examination, walking assessment, and loading tests. Imaging is not always needed, but it can help when a fracture, significant joint injury, or stubborn symptoms are suspected.

A physiotherapist may also assess nearby regions such as the calf, ankle, knee, and lower back because symptoms sometimes refer into the foot. General information on allied health assessment is also available through Healthdirect’s physiotherapy overview.

How can physiotherapy help foot pain?

Physiotherapy for foot pain may help by identifying the structure involved, reducing aggravating loads, improving strength and mobility, and guiding your return to normal activity. Treatment often includes activity modification, manual therapy, footwear advice, taping, exercise, and gradual loading strategies.

For active people, related training factors also matter. If symptoms began with increased mileage or higher impact activity, pages on running injuries and lower-limb loading patterns may also help.

Foot and ankle manual therapy treatment by physiotherapist in clinic setting

Manual therapy for foot and ankle pain

Hands-on physiotherapy techniques may help reduce foot pain, improve joint movement, and support your recovery.

Related foot pain information

What should you do next for foot pain?

If your foot pain is not settling, is affecting walking, or keeps returning, getting the right diagnosis is the best next step. Early assessment can help you understand what is driving the pain and what treatment is most likely to help.

Your physiotherapist can guide you on activity modification, footwear, exercises, and when you may need further investigation.

Patient walking comfortably with physiotherapist guidance during recovery session

Confident, pain-free walking recovery

Targeted treatment can help restore comfortable walking, confidence, and activity.

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Ankle Products

These ankle products are commonly used by our physiotherapists to improve ankle pain, strength, balance, proprioception, endurance and flexibility, plus assist home exercise programs.

View all ankle products

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Get physiotherapy tips, exercise videos, recovery advice and blog updates.

Common foot pain FAQs

What is the most common cause of foot pain?

Common causes of foot pain include plantar fasciopathy, tendon overload, forefoot irritation, nerve irritation, arthritis, and footwear or loading problems. The most likely cause depends on the location of symptoms and what activities aggravate them.

Why does foot pain hurt more when walking?

Foot pain often worsens with walking because walking increases load through the heel, arch, forefoot, and ankle. If tissues are irritated or overloaded, each step can increase compression, tension, or impact stress.

Can foot pain come from the ankle or back?

Yes. Some foot pain comes from nearby structures such as the ankle, calf, or lower back. Nerve-related pain, altered walking mechanics, and referred symptoms can all contribute to foot discomfort.

When should I worry about foot pain?

You should be more concerned if foot pain is worsening, lasts beyond one to two weeks, causes swelling, stops you weight-bearing, or affects daily activity. These signs suggest you should arrange an assessment.

Can physiotherapy help foot pain?

Yes. Physiotherapy may help foot pain by identifying the likely cause, reducing aggravating loads, improving strength and mobility, and guiding a gradual return to walking, work, exercise, or sport.

Do I need a scan for foot pain?

Not always. Many causes of foot pain can be identified clinically. However, scans may be useful when a fracture, significant joint problem, or persistent symptoms are suspected.

References

  1. Morrissey D, Cotchett M, Said J'Bari A, et al. Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. Br J Sports Med. 2021;55(19):1106-1118. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2019-101970
  2. Barton CJ, Bonanno D, Menz HB. Development and evaluation of a tool for the assessment of footwear characteristics. J Foot Ankle Res. 2009;2:10. doi:10.1186/1757-1146-2-10
  3. Trojian T, Tucker AK. Plantar Fasciitis. Am Fam Physician. 2019;99(12):744-750.
  4. Aicale R, Tarantino D, Maffulli N. Overuse injuries in sport: a comprehensive overview. J Orthop Surg Res. 2018;13(1):309. doi:10.1186/s13018-018-1017-5

Foot And Ankle Pain: When To Worry

John Miller Physiotherapist Chelsea Gan Physiotherapist
Article by John Miller & Chelsea Gan
Foot and ankle pain weight-bearing arch assessment by physiotherapist
Assessing foot posture and arch control under load

Foot and ankle pain should worry you when it is severe, follows a clear injury, stops you walking normally, or does not improve with sensible early care. It may come from simple overload, a sprained ankle, tendon irritation, plantar fascia pain, arthritis, nerve irritation, or a more serious problem such as a fracture.

For broader background, start with our guides to foot pain and ankle pain. Act sooner if the area is hot, red, very swollen, unstable, painful over bone, painful at night, or keeps flaring with running, jumping, or long walks.

Quick Signs You Should Get Checked

  • You cannot walk four steps normally.
  • Your foot or ankle looks deformed or badly swollen.
  • You have sharp bony tenderness after a twist, fall, or landing injury.
  • The joint feels hot or red, or you also have a fever.
  • Pain keeps returning, worsens at night, or flares with impact loading.

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What Does Foot and Ankle Pain Usually Mean?

Foot and ankle pain usually means one or more tissues are irritated, overloaded, injured, or inflamed. The likely cause depends on where the pain sits, how it started, and what makes it worse.

Side-of-ankle pain after a roll often points towards a ligament injury. Heel pain with first steps may fit heel pain patterns such as plantar fascia irritation or Achilles-related problems. Pain across the midfoot after a twist or heavy landing needs a closer look because a Lisfranc injury can be missed early.

Is This Foot or Ankle Pain Serious?

Usually monitor it at home if pain is mild, you can still walk, swelling is light, and symptoms improve over a few days.

Book a physiotherapy assessment soon if pain affects walking, keeps returning, follows a change in sport or training load, or is not improving as expected.

Seek urgent medical review if you cannot weight-bear, the area looks deformed, the joint is hot and red, or the pain followed a significant injury and feels severe.

When Should You Worry About Foot and Ankle Pain?

You should worry about foot and ankle pain if it is severe, limits walking, follows a significant injury, or does not settle as expected. You should also act sooner if the area is hot, red, increasingly swollen, unstable, or painful directly over bone rather than mainly through soft tissue.

Seek urgent medical review if you suspect a fracture, dislocation, infection, or Achilles rupture. Healthdirect ankle pain guidance can help Australians decide where to seek care if they are unsure, but severe injury, deformity, fever, or urgent medical symptoms need prompt medical attention.

Foot and Ankle Pain Severity Guide

Mild

Pain is noticeable but manageable. You can still walk, swelling is minor, and symptoms settle with reduced activity, good footwear, and simple self-care.

Moderate

Pain affects walking, stairs, exercise, or work tasks. Swelling, stiffness, or weakness lasts more than a few days. This level usually deserves a physiotherapy review.

Severe

Pain is sharp, intense, or worsening. You cannot weight-bear properly, the area is badly swollen or deformed, or symptoms suggest fracture, rupture, or infection. This level needs urgent medical assessment.

Common Causes of Foot and Ankle Pain

Common causes of foot and ankle pain include ligament sprains, tendon injuries, joint irritation, overload from walking or sport, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, and bone stress injuries. A clear injury often points towards a sprain or fracture. Gradually worsening pain can fit tendon overload or foot stress fracture patterns.

  • Lateral ankle sprain: common after rolling the ankle inwards.
  • High ankle sprain: often more painful with twisting, push-off, and walking. See high ankle sprain.
  • Stress fracture: pain builds with impact or training load. See stress fractures.
  • Ongoing ankle giving way: may suggest incomplete rehabilitation or chronic ankle instability.
  • Ball-of-foot pain: may fit metatarsalgia, Morton’s neuroma, joint irritation, or bone stress.

Sprain vs Fracture vs Stress Fracture

Sprain: often follows a twist or roll, causes swelling and bruising around the joint, and tends to hurt most with movement and walking.

Fracture: is more likely after a stronger injury, with marked bony tenderness, heavier swelling, and difficulty weight-bearing.

Stress fracture: often builds gradually, feels localised over bone, and worsens with repeated loading such as running, jumping, or long walks.

Do You Need an X-ray for Foot or Ankle Pain?

You may need an X-ray when a fracture is reasonably suspected after an acute injury. The Ottawa Ankle Rules help guide whether imaging is appropriate after a recent ankle or midfoot injury, rather than ordering scans for every sprain.

For ankle injuries, an X-ray is usually considered when there is pain in the malleolar zone plus one of the following:

  • bone tenderness along the back edge or tip of the lateral malleolus
  • bone tenderness along the back edge or tip of the medial malleolus
  • inability to bear weight for four steps both immediately and at assessment

For foot injuries, an X-ray is usually considered when there is midfoot pain plus one of the following:

  • bone tenderness at the base of the fifth metatarsal
  • bone tenderness at the navicular
  • inability to bear weight for four steps both immediately and at assessment

An X-ray is less reliable for early stress fractures, so persistent bony pain may need further review even if an initial X-ray is clear. Persistent load-related pain should not be ignored.

What Are the Red Flags for Foot and Ankle Pain?

Red flags include deformity, severe swelling, inability to walk, sudden calf or heel pain with a pop, a hot or feverish joint, or pain that is severe and worsening rather than gradually settling. These patterns can suggest fracture, dislocation, infection, Achilles rupture, or another more serious injury.

If you have swelling with redness and fever, or the ankle feels obviously unstable after trauma, arrange urgent medical assessment. If the pain developed gradually but is sharp, localised over bone, and worsens with impact, consider a bone stress injury rather than “just a strain”.

Can You Keep Walking on Foot and Ankle Pain?

Yes, sometimes. You can usually keep gentle walking if pain stays mild, your limp does not worsen, and symptoms settle after activity.

Reduce load if pain increases during the walk, changes your gait, or leaves you worse later that day.

Stop and get checked if you cannot walk four steps, the pain is sharp over bone, or the ankle feels unstable after injury.


Foot and ankle pain balance exercise with physiotherapist checking control

Rebuilding ankle and foot control

How Is Foot and Ankle Pain Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause, stage, and severity of the problem. Many people improve with a combination of load modification, manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, taping or bracing, footwear advice, and a graded return to walking, work, or sport.

For example, ankle pain physiotherapy often includes mobility work, calf and lower-leg strengthening, balance training, and confidence rebuilding. Broader physiotherapy treatment may also include hands-on care, diagnosis clarification, and a structured plan for recovery.

Who Should You See for Foot or Ankle Pain?

A physiotherapist is a sensible first step for many foot and ankle pain presentations, especially if you are unsure whether the problem is a sprain, tendon issue, overload injury, or something more significant. A physiotherapist can assess the pattern, guide early management, and tell you when medical imaging or medical referral may be needed.

In some cases, you may also need a GP, sports doctor, podiatrist, or orthopaedic opinion. That is more likely when the pain is severe, the diagnosis is unclear, symptoms keep recurring, or a fracture, infection, or surgical problem is suspected.

Top 6 FAQs About Foot and Ankle Pain

Is foot and ankle pain always a sprain?

No. A sprain is common, especially after a twist, but foot and ankle pain can also come from tendon overload, joint irritation, arthritis, plantar fascia pain, nerve irritation, or a fracture. The history, pain location, swelling pattern, and ability to load the leg help narrow it down.

How do you know if foot and ankle pain could be a fracture?

A fracture becomes more likely if you have bony tenderness, marked swelling, a clear traumatic mechanism, difficulty weight-bearing, or pain that feels deeper and sharper than a typical soft-tissue sprain. The Ottawa Ankle Rules help guide when imaging is worth considering after an acute injury.

Can physiotherapy help foot and ankle pain?

Yes, physiotherapy may help many causes of foot and ankle pain by clarifying the diagnosis, reducing irritation, improving movement, rebuilding strength, and progressing you back to walking or sport. It is especially useful when symptoms linger, keep returning, or are linked to weakness, stiffness, balance, or overload.

When should you stop sport or exercise?

You should reduce or stop impact loading if pain alters your walking, worsens during the session, spikes afterwards, or leaves you limping the next day. That does not always mean complete rest. It usually means changing the type, amount, or intensity of loading until the area calms down.

Is swelling always a sign of serious injury?

No. Swelling is common after ankle sprains and other soft-tissue injuries. However, heavy swelling with deformity, inability to walk, intense pain, or a hot red joint is more concerning and should be assessed sooner. The context matters more than the swelling alone.

Should you get an MRI for foot and ankle pain?

Not always. MRI is usually reserved for cases where the diagnosis remains unclear, symptoms do not follow the expected recovery path, or a stress fracture, tendon tear, cartilage injury, or more complex foot problem is suspected. Many common sprains and overload issues can be assessed well without early MRI.

Foot and ankle pain walking gait retraining during recovery
Returning to smooth, comfortable walking

What to Do Next

If your foot and ankle pain is severe, keeps returning, or is not improving, book an assessment rather than guessing. Early review can help rule out more serious injury, explain what is driving your pain, and give you a plan that matches your work, walking, exercise, and sport goals.

If you are not sure where to start, see our symptoms search, foot pain, or ankle pain guides for the next best step.

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In some cases, temporary support such as braces, taping, or compression can help protect the area and improve confidence while you recover.

Ankle Products

These ankle products are commonly used by our physiotherapists to improve ankle pain, strength, balance, proprioception, endurance and flexibility, plus assist home exercise programs.

View all ankle products

Follow PhysioWorks

Get physiotherapy tips, exercise videos, recovery advice and blog updates.

References

  1. Gomes YE, Chau M, Banwell HA, Causby RS. Diagnostic accuracy of the Ottawa ankle rule to exclude fractures in acute ankle injuries in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2022;23(1):885. doi:10.1186/s12891-022-05831-7
  2. Smith SE, Chang EY, Ha AS, et al. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Acute Trauma to the Ankle. J Am Coll Radiol. 2020;17(11S):S355-S366. doi:10.1016/j.jacr.2020.09.014
  3. Martin RL, Davenport TE, Fraser JJ, et al. Ankle Stability and Movement Coordination Impairments: Lateral Ankle Ligament Sprains Revision 2021. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2021;51(4):CPG1-CPG80. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.0302
  4. Paavana T, Rammohan R, Hariharan K. Stress fractures of the foot - current evidence on management. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2024;50:102381. doi:10.1016/j.jcot.2024.102381

Common Youth Leg Injuries

John Miller Physiotherapist Erin Runge Physiotherapist
Article by John Miller & Erin Runge
Common youth leg injuries in young athletes during running, jumping, and sport
Young athletes with common youth leg injuries

Common youth leg injuries usually involve growth plates, tendons, joints, or bone stress around the hip, knee, shin, heel, and ankle. Many start with repeated running, jumping, kicking, or fast growth rather than one major trauma. This guide helps parents, coaches, and young athletes recognise common patterns and find the right next step through our wider kids sports injuries and kids leg pain resources.

In growing athletes, leg pain often reflects a mix of training load, growth spurts, recovery habits, footwear, and movement control. Some problems settle quickly with guided load reduction, while others need earlier assessment to rule out more serious issues such as SCFE, Perthes disease, or a stress-related injury.

What is the most common youth leg injury?

The most common youth leg injuries are growth-related conditions such as Osgood-Schlatter disease at the knee and Sever’s disease at the heel, followed by overuse problems such as shin splints and ankle sprains. These issues often develop during growth spurts combined with running and jumping sports.

Quick signs to watch

  • pain that builds with sport, running, or jumping
  • limping during or after activity
  • swelling, tenderness, or pain over a growth plate
  • morning stiffness or pain after rest
  • pain that does not settle with a few days of lighter activity

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What are common youth leg injuries?

Common youth leg injuries include growth-related knee pain, heel pain, hip conditions, ankle sprains, avulsion injuries, and overuse bone or tendon irritation. The most common patterns usually affect active children and teenagers during periods of rapid growth, especially when sport load rises faster than recovery.

At PhysioWorks, the most frequent youth lower-limb presentations include Osgood-Schlatter disease, Sinding Larsen Johansson syndrome, patellofemoral pain syndrome, Sever’s disease, avulsion injuries, and sprained ankles. Some young athletes also develop patella dislocation, meniscus injuries, or hip pain linked to growth and sport.

Common youth leg injuries by area

Youth leg injuries often cluster by body region. Looking at the pain location can help narrow the likely cause, although children can struggle to describe pain clearly, so a careful assessment still matters.

Where is the pain? Quick guide

  • Hip / groin: Perthes disease, SCFE, or avulsion injury
  • Front of knee: Osgood-Schlatter disease or Sinding Larsen Johansson syndrome
  • Around the kneecap: patellofemoral pain syndrome
  • Inner or deep knee: meniscus or ligament injury
  • Shin: shin splints or tibial stress fracture
  • Heel: Sever’s disease, which is very common in growing athletes
  • Ankle: sprain or instability

Pain location helps guide diagnosis, but a proper assessment still matters if symptoms persist, worsen, or cause limping.

Hip and pelvis injuries

Hip and pelvis pain in children and teenagers may come from growth-related bone conditions, traction injuries, or sport overload. More important diagnoses include Perthes disease, SCFE, and pelvic avulsion injuries. Groin or upper-thigh pain after sprinting or kicking can also point to a muscle or tendon issue.

Knee injuries

The knee is one of the most common pain sites in growing athletes. Typical causes include Osgood-Schlatter disease, Sinding Larsen Johansson syndrome, patellofemoral pain syndrome, patella dislocation, knee ligament injury, and meniscus tears.

Shin, heel, and ankle injuries

Lower-leg pain can come from Sever’s disease, ankle sprains, chronic ankle instability, shin splints, or tibial stress fracture. Heel pain in children is especially likely to reflect calcaneal apophysitis during running and jumping sports.

Why do common youth leg injuries happen during growth spurts?

Common youth leg injuries often rise during growth spurts because bones, muscles, tendons, and coordination do not all adapt at the same speed. This can increase stress on growth plates, apophyses, and lower-limb tissues, especially when sport and training continue to build at the same time.

Growth-related pain often follows a distal-to-proximal pattern through the lower limb, and faster gains in height or leg length can raise the chance of overuse and growth-related injuries in youth athletes.

When should you worry about common youth leg injuries?

You should worry about common youth leg injuries when pain causes limping, night pain, major swelling, inability to weight-bear, locking, repeated giving way, or pain that keeps returning despite rest. Hip, groin, and knee pain with a limp deserves earlier assessment because some growth-related hip conditions need prompt diagnosis.

Red flags include a child who refuses sport because of pain, has visible swelling, cannot hop or jog, has pain after a fall that is not settling, or reports pain at rest. Hip pain may be felt in the groin, thigh, or even the knee, so unusual knee pain with a limp should not be ignored.

Seek earlier assessment if a child or teenager has a limp, cannot fully weight-bear, has major swelling, locking, repeated giving way, pain at night, or hip/groin pain that refers to the knee.

Load management for common youth leg injuries

Load management means reducing irritation first, rebuilding strength and control next, then progressing back to sport in stages. It is one of the most important principles for common youth leg injuries because repeated load without enough recovery can keep growth-related pain and overuse symptoms going.

Overuse injuries in young athletes are strongly linked to repetitive stress without enough recovery, while growth and maturity changes can further increase risk. In practice, that often means temporarily reducing sprinting, jumping, kicking, hills, or extra training sessions rather than stopping all movement for long periods.

  • Reduce: calm the painful load by modifying training, sport volume, and aggravating drills.
  • Rebuild: improve flexibility, strength, landing control, calf capacity, hip control, and sport mechanics.
  • Progress: return gradually to running, training, and games once pain response, function, and confidence improve.

Helpful supports for youth leg injuries

Some simple supports can help reduce load and improve comfort during recovery, especially alongside physiotherapy and training modification.
  • Supportive footwear: helps reduce impact and improve load distribution
  • Heel lifts or inserts: may ease strain in conditions such as Sever’s disease
  • Knee taping or braces: can assist with patellofemoral or growth-related knee pain
  • Compression: may help with swelling and recovery after activity

These options should match the diagnosis and activity level, so it is worth discussing the right choice for your child.

How can physiotherapy help common youth leg injuries?

Physiotherapy for common youth leg injuries aims to confirm the likely source of pain, rule out more serious causes, and guide safe return to activity. Treatment may include load advice, joint and muscle assessment, strength work, mobility exercises, footwear guidance, taping, and return-to-sport planning.

We also help parents and coaches decide what the child can still do safely. Many youth injuries improve well with early guidance, especially growth-related knee and heel pain, but the best plan depends on the diagnosis, age, maturity stage, sport demands, and whether symptoms are worsening or settling.

FAQs

Is leg pain normal in growing children?

Some leg pain is common in growing children, but ongoing sport pain is not something to ignore. Repeated pain during running, jumping, or training can point to a growth-related injury, tendon overload, bone stress, or joint irritation that benefits from proper assessment.

What is the most common cause of heel pain in children?

The most common cause of heel pain in active children is Sever’s disease, also called calcaneal apophysitis. It is one of the most common causes of heel pain in growing athletes, and conservative treatment is usually effective.

Can a child feel hip pain in the knee?

Yes. Some hip conditions in children and teenagers can refer pain into the thigh or knee. That is why unexplained knee pain with limping, reduced hip movement, or groin pain deserves a careful assessment rather than assuming the knee itself is the main problem.

Should children stop sport completely if they have leg pain?

Not always. Many common youth leg injuries improve with modified load rather than full rest. The better plan is usually to reduce the aggravating volume or intensity, keep tolerated activity going, and build back up with guided progressions.

When does a young athlete need a scan or X-ray?

A scan or X-ray is not needed for every case of youth leg pain. It becomes more relevant when there is major trauma, inability to weight-bear, persistent night pain, suspected fracture, suspected significant hip pathology, or symptoms that are not improving as expected.

What should parents do first for common youth leg injuries?

Start by reducing painful sport load, avoiding drills that sharply increase symptoms, and arranging assessment if the child is limping, swelling, or not settling. Early guidance often shortens recovery and helps prevent a manageable overuse problem becoming a longer interruption.

What to do next

If your child or teenager has ongoing leg pain, repeated soreness after sport, or a limp that is not settling, book an assessment sooner rather than later. Early diagnosis can help you avoid training mistakes, protect a growing athlete, and get a clearer plan for school sport, club sport, and recovery.

PhysioWorks can help identify the likely source of common youth leg injuries, explain what is safe to continue, and guide a staged return to running, jumping, and training.

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References

  1. Brenner JS, Watson A. Overuse injuries, overtraining, and burnout in young athletes. Pediatrics. 2024;153(2):e2023065129.
  2. Hernandez-Lucas P, Barrios-Fernandez S, Vera-Garcia FJ, et al. Conservative treatment of Sever’s disease: a systematic review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024;21(4):436.
  3. Parry GN, Johnson DM, Gledhill A, et al. Associations between growth, maturation and injury in youth athletes engaged in elite pathways: a scoping review. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2024;10(3):e001976.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?


John Miller Physiotherapist


Shane Armfield Physiotherapist

Article by
John Miller,
Shane Armfield

Shoulder pain causes range from tendon irritation and bursitis to joint stiffness, instability, arthritis, fracture, or pain referred from the neck. This page explains the most common reasons for symptoms and links to detailed shoulder pain conditions so you can understand what may be contributing to your problem.

The shoulder has excellent mobility, but that freedom comes at a cost. Because several muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and the shoulder blade need to work together, small problems can quickly affect lifting, reaching, throwing, sleeping, dressing, or sport.

Common signs people notice include:

  • pain when lifting the arm
  • night pain when lying on the shoulder
  • stiffness or restricted movement
  • weakness with reaching or overhead activity
  • pain after sport, gym, work, or a fall

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What Are the Most Common Shoulder Pain Causes?

The most common shoulder pain causes include rotator cuff injury, shoulder impingement, shoulder bursitis, frozen shoulder, shoulder arthritis, instability, dislocation, AC joint injury, fracture, or pain referred from the neck. Some conditions begin gradually with overload, while others start suddenly after trauma.

Shoulder Anatomy and Why the Joint Gets Sore

The shoulder includes the humerus, scapula, clavicle, labrum, rotator cuff tendons, bursa, capsule, and supporting ligaments. Because the shoulder prioritises movement over deep bony stability, it depends heavily on soft tissues and muscle control. As a result, repetitive overhead activity, poor load tolerance, sudden trauma, or joint stiffness can all trigger symptoms.

Why Does Shoulder Pain Hurt When You Lift Your Arm?

Pain with lifting often happens when the rotator cuff tendons or bursa become irritated, especially during overhead reach, throwing, pressing, swimming, or repeated work above shoulder height. Problems such as rotator cuff tendinopathy, rotator cuff tear, or shoulder impingement commonly create a painful arc or weakness during elevation.

Rotator Cuff Problems

The rotator cuff stabilises the shoulder and helps guide movement. Overload, age-related tendon change, repetitive overhead activity, or trauma may contribute to pain and weakness. Related pages include Rotator Cuff Injury, Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, and Rotator Cuff Tear.

Bursitis and Impingement

Shoulder bursitis involves irritation of the bursa, while shoulder impingement describes painful compression of soft tissues during movement. These problems often cause pain when reaching overhead, reaching behind your back, or lying on the sore side. Swimmers and overhead athletes may also develop swimmer’s shoulder.

Frozen Shoulder and Arthritis

If your shoulder feels increasingly stiff as well as painful, frozen shoulder or shoulder arthritis may be involved. These conditions often reduce rotation, reaching, dressing, and sleeping comfort. Frozen shoulder can also be more stubborn in some people with diabetes.

Instability, Dislocation, and Labral Injury

A traumatic event such as a fall, collision, or awkward force can cause shoulder dislocation, labral injury, or functional shoulder instability. These problems may cause pain, apprehension, slipping, catching, or repeated episodes of the shoulder feeling unreliable.

AC Joint, Biceps, and Fracture Pain

The top of the shoulder can also hurt because of the AC joint or the long head of the biceps tendon. In more traumatic situations, a humerus fracture or other fracture may be the cause, especially after a fall or direct impact.

Can Shoulder Pain Come From Your Neck?

Yes. Sometimes pain felt around the shoulder is referred from the cervical spine rather than the shoulder joint itself. If symptoms travel down the arm, change with neck movement, or include tingling, a problem such as neck arm pain may need to be considered alongside local shoulder causes.

How Is the Cause of Shoulder Pain Diagnosed?

A physiotherapist or doctor will usually assess your symptom history, range of motion, strength, painful movements, joint stability, and aggravating tasks. Imaging such as ultrasound, X-ray, or MRI may help in selected cases, but many shoulder problems are first identified clinically through careful examination and movement testing.

If you want a general public overview, Healthdirect explains common features of shoulder pain.

When Should You Worry About Shoulder Pain?

You should arrange assessment sooner if shoulder pain follows trauma, causes marked weakness, prevents normal arm use, keeps worsening, creates severe night pain, or is associated with deformity, swelling, or repeated instability. Persistent symptoms that do not improve with sensible load reduction also deserve a proper diagnosis.

How Is Shoulder Pain Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause. Physiotherapy often focuses on settling pain, improving mobility, restoring rotator cuff and scapular strength, rebuilding load tolerance, and helping you return to work, gym, or sport safely. Some people also benefit from medication advice, injection review, or surgical opinion when symptoms are severe or structurally significant.

Post-operative rehabilitation is also important after some procedures. You can read more about post-operative shoulder physiotherapy if surgery forms part of your management.

Related Shoulder Pain Articles

Shoulder Pain FAQs

What is the most common cause of shoulder pain?

Rotator cuff-related pain is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. This broad group includes tendinopathy, irritation, and tears affecting the tendons that help stabilise and lift the shoulder.

Why does my shoulder hurt when I lift my arm?

This often happens when irritated tendons or the bursa are compressed during elevation. Rotator cuff problems, impingement, bursitis, or joint stiffness are common reasons for painful lifting.

Why is shoulder pain worse at night?

Night pain can occur because irritated tissues become more sensitive when you lie on the shoulder, or because inflammation and stiffness make it harder to find a comfortable position.

Can shoulder pain go away on its own?

Some mild shoulder pain settles with activity modification and gradual recovery. However, persistent, recurrent, or worsening symptoms are more likely to improve when the exact cause is identified and treated properly.

When should I see a physiotherapist for shoulder pain?

You should consider assessment if pain lasts more than one to two weeks, limits lifting or sleep, follows trauma, or causes weakness, stiffness, or repeated instability.

What to Do Next

If shoulder pain is affecting sleep, work, sport, or daily activity, the next step is a proper assessment to identify the structure involved and the loads that are irritating it. Early diagnosis often helps guide the right treatment plan and reduce the risk of prolonged symptoms.

A physiotherapist may help you understand the cause, improve movement, and build a staged recovery plan tailored to your goals.

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Shoulder Products

These shoulder products are commonly used by our physiotherapists to improve strength, posture, movement, plus assist home exercise programs.

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References

  1. Lucas J, Macaskill P, Irwig L, et al. A systematic review of the global prevalence and incidence of shoulder pain. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2022;23(1):1075. doi:10.1186/s12891-022-06053-8
  2. Lafrance S, Charron M, Dubé MO, et al. The efficacy of exercise therapy for rotator cuff-related shoulder pain according to the FITT principle: a systematic review with meta-analyses. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2024;54(8):499-512. doi:10.2519/jospt.2024.12453
  3. Dyer BP, Pritchard MG, Jaggi A, et al. Diabetes as a prognostic factor in frozen shoulder: a systematic review. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2022;103(3):538-549. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2021.09.010

Shoulder Pain Symptoms Guide

John Miller Physiotherapist Erin Runge Physiotherapist
Article by John Miller & Erin Runge

Shoulder pain symptoms often include pain with lifting, night pain, weakness, stiffness, or clicking. If you are unsure what your symptoms mean, start with our shoulder pain guide, then use this page to compare patterns and next steps.

Common causes include rotator cuff injury, shoulder bursitis, frozen shoulder, shoulder impingement, and shoulder instability.

Common Shoulder Pain Symptoms

  • Pain with lifting or overhead activity
  • Night pain when lying on the sore side
  • Weakness with carrying or pressing
  • Stiffness and reduced movement
  • Clicking or instability

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What Should You Do?

  • Mild pain → Modify activity
  • Pain with sleep or lifting → Begin guided rehab
  • Symptoms lasting more than 7 to 10 days → Book physiotherapy
  • Trauma or weakness → Seek urgent care

When Should You Worry About Shoulder Pain?

Seek prompt assessment if pain follows trauma, you cannot lift your arm, or symptoms worsen at night. Deformity, swelling, fever, or nerve symptoms require urgent care.

Urgent signs: deformity, sudden weakness, fever, chest pain, or nerve symptoms.

Why Does Shoulder Pain Hurt at Night?

Night pain commonly reflects rotator cuff irritation, bursitis, or frozen shoulder. Compression and irritation often make symptoms worse in static positions.

Why Does It Hurt When I Lift My Arm?

This often reflects tendon or bursa overload. Learn more about shoulder impingement or rotator cuff tears.

Why Does My Shoulder Feel Stiff?

Stiffness often relates to capsular restriction such as frozen shoulder or arthritis.

Clicking or Instability — What Does It Mean?

Instability may suggest shoulder instability or prior dislocation.

Quick Comparison Guide

Condition Key Feature
Rotator cuff Pain lifting arm
Bursitis Painful arc
Frozen shoulder Global stiffness
Instability Slipping feeling

Shoulder Symptom Pathway

Use this quick pathway to help sort your symptoms:

Do You Need an MRI?

MRI is usually reserved for trauma, severe weakness, or persistent symptoms. Read more: Do you need an MRI?

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

Physiotherapy restores movement, strength, and control, while reducing pain and helping prevent recurrence.

Not sure what to do? A physio can guide your rehab plan.

Start here: shoulder exercises and rotator cuff exercises. You may also benefit from scapular stabilisation exercises if shoulder blade control is contributing.

How Long Does It Take to Heal?

  • Mild: 2 to 6 weeks
  • Moderate: 6 to 12 weeks
  • Severe: longer depending on condition

Shoulder Pain FAQs

Can shoulder pain go away?

Yes, mild shoulder pain can settle with smart load reduction and sensible exercise. However, persistent or recurring symptoms often need structured rehabilitation.

Should I rest or exercise?

Relative rest with guided exercise usually works best. Avoid movements that sharply aggravate pain, but keep the shoulder moving in comfortable ranges.

When should I see a physio?

You should see a physiotherapist if symptoms persist beyond 7 to 10 days, worsen, affect sleep, or limit function.

How long does shoulder pain take to heal?

Recovery ranges from weeks to months depending on the diagnosis, severity, and how early the right treatment starts.

What to Do Next

If symptoms are not improving, early assessment helps prevent chronic issues and gets you moving in the right direction sooner.

Early treatment = faster recovery.

Return to Shoulder Pain Guide

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Shoulder Products

These shoulder products are commonly used by our physiotherapists to improve strength, posture, movement, plus assist home exercise programs.

View all shoulder products

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Get physiotherapy tips, exercise videos, recovery advice and blog updates.

References

  1. Lafrance S, Moffet H, Roy JS, et al. The efficacy of exercise therapy for rotator cuff-related shoulder pain according to the FITT principle: a systematic review with meta-analyses. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2024.
  2. Tauqeer S, Kamal Z, Ali SS, et al. Effects of manual therapy in addition to stretching and strengthening exercises to improve scapular, shoulder and neck function, pain and range of motion in shoulder impingement syndrome: a randomised controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024;25:142.
  3. Powell JK, Lewis J, Schram B, Hing W. Is exercise therapy the right treatment for rotator cuff-related shoulder pain? Uncertainties, theory, and practice. Musculoskeletal Care. 2024;22(2):e1879. doi:10.1002/msc.1879.
  4. Healthdirect: Shoulder pain
John Miller Physiotherapist Chelsea Gan Physiotherapist
Article by John Miller & Chelsea Gan
Physiotherapist assessing elbow pain causes during arm movement test in clinic

Assessing elbow pain and movement

The most common elbow pain causes include tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, olecranon bursitis, nerve irritation, muscle strain, and joint injury. The exact cause often depends on where the pain sits, what movements aggravate it, and whether you also have swelling, weakness, stiffness, numbness, or grip pain.

Because the elbow transfers load between your shoulder, forearm, and hand, pain can come from local tissues or be referred from the neck. This guide explains the common causes of elbow pain, what different pain locations may mean, when to seek help, and how a physiotherapist may help.

  • Outer elbow pain: often linked with tennis elbow
  • Inner elbow pain: may suggest golfer’s elbow or nerve irritation
  • Pain at the point of the elbow: may suggest bursitis
  • Elbow pain with neck symptoms: may be referred nerve pain
  • Pain after a fall: may suggest joint or bone injury

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Where is your elbow pain?

Pain location gives useful clues, although a proper assessment is still important when symptoms persist or do not follow the usual pattern.

Outer Elbow Pain

Often related to tennis elbow, especially if gripping, lifting, shaking hands, typing, or carrying with the palm down feels sore.

Inner Elbow Pain

May relate to golfer’s elbow, throwing stress, flexor tendon overload, or ulnar nerve irritation.

Point of Elbow Pain

Swelling or tenderness over the tip of the elbow may suggest olecranon bursitis, especially after leaning or knocking the elbow.

Common elbow pain regions and what they may suggest

This diagram helps show why pain location matters. Outer elbow pain often points towards tennis elbow, inner elbow pain may suggest golfer’s elbow or nerve irritation, and pain over the tip of the elbow may be more consistent with bursitis.

What causes elbow pain?

Elbow pain often develops from tendon overload, repetitive gripping, throwing, lifting, direct pressure, or a sudden injury. Sometimes the pain starts gradually during work, sport, gym training, or housework. In other cases, it begins after a fall, knock, twist, or awkward lift.

The elbow is closely linked with the wrist, forearm, shoulder, and neck. That means pain can come from the tendons, bursa, joint surfaces, ligaments, muscles, or nearby nerves. In some people, symptoms that feel like elbow pain actually relate to cervical radiculopathy or neck arm pain.

Common causes of elbow pain

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is one of the most common causes of outer elbow pain. It usually involves overload of the wrist extensor tendons and often feels worse with gripping, lifting, carrying, racquet sports, repetitive hand use, or gym exercises such as rows and pull-downs.

Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inner side of the elbow. It commonly affects people doing repeated wrist flexion, climbing, throwing, pulling, golf, racquet sports, or manual work. Some people also notice forearm tightness and pain when twisting or gripping.

Olecranon Bursitis

Olecranon bursitis affects the small fluid-filled sac over the point of the elbow. It often causes visible swelling, tenderness, and discomfort when leaning on the elbow. Pressure, direct trauma, infection, or inflammatory conditions can all contribute.

Youth Elbow Overuse Injuries

Children and teenagers can develop elbow pain from repetitive throwing, gymnastics, racquet sports, and other high-load arm activities. These cases may involve growth-related stress or overuse patterns. For more detail, see youth arm pain.

Neck-Related or Nerve-Related Pain

Not all elbow pain starts in the elbow. Nerve irritation from the neck or arm can cause elbow pain, tingling, numbness, burning, or weakness. This is more likely if symptoms travel into the forearm or hand, or if neck movement changes the pain. See cervical radiculopathy and neck arm pain.

Muscle Strain or Repetitive Strain Injury

A muscle strain or repetitive strain injury may create elbow discomfort, especially after sudden increases in training load, heavy lifting, gardening, climbing, computer work, or repeated tool use.

Arthritis, Fracture, or Joint Injury

Less commonly, elbow pain may be linked with arthritis, joint irritation, ligament injury, dislocation, or fracture. These causes are more likely after trauma or when pain comes with marked swelling, bruising, locking, loss of movement, or a feeling that the elbow is unstable.

Why does elbow pain happen without an obvious injury?

Many people develop elbow pain gradually from repeated gripping, lifting, typing, gym work, tools, or sport rather than from a single accident. Tendons and nearby tissues can become irritated when load builds faster than your body adapts.

How do you know which elbow pain cause is most likely?

The most likely cause usually depends on pain location, aggravating movements, and associated symptoms. For example, pain with gripping and lifting often points towards tendon overload, while numbness or tingling raises the possibility of nerve involvement.

  • Outer elbow pain: often worse with gripping, lifting, carrying, or typing
  • Inner elbow pain: often worse with wrist flexion, pulling, climbing, or throwing
  • Swelling over the point of the elbow: more consistent with bursitis
  • Pins and needles or numbness: may suggest nerve irritation
  • Pain at night or after a fall: may need earlier assessment to rule out a more significant issue

A physiotherapist may assess your elbow, wrist, forearm, shoulder, and neck to work out whether the main problem is tendon, joint, nerve, muscle, or bursa related.

How can physiotherapy help elbow pain?

Physiotherapy for elbow pain usually aims to identify the exact pain source, reduce aggravation, restore strength, and rebuild load tolerance. This often includes advice on grip load, lifting technique, workstation changes, exercise progression, and a gradual return to work, gym, or sport.

Treatment may include:

  • load modification and activity advice
  • graded strengthening for the forearm and wrist
  • mobility work for the elbow, wrist, shoulder, or neck
  • manual therapy where appropriate
  • sport, gym, or work technique advice
  • a staged return-to-activity plan

When should you worry about elbow pain?

You should seek prompt assessment if elbow pain follows significant trauma, the elbow looks deformed, you cannot straighten or bend it properly, or you have marked swelling, fever, redness, numbness, or weakness. These features may suggest a more serious injury, infection, or significant nerve involvement.

You should also book an assessment if symptoms have lasted more than a few weeks, keep returning, wake you at night, or limit normal gripping, lifting, sport, or work tasks.

Elbow pain causes FAQs

What is the most common cause of elbow pain?

The most common cause of elbow pain is tendon overload, especially tennis elbow on the outside of the elbow or golfer’s elbow on the inside. These problems often build from repeated gripping, lifting, typing, or sport.

What causes elbow pain without injury?

Elbow pain without a clear injury often comes from gradual overload rather than a single accident. Common causes include tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, repetitive strain, poor load progression at the gym, manual work, and prolonged gripping or typing.

Can gym cause elbow pain?

Yes. Gym training can trigger elbow pain when exercises such as pull-ups, rows, curls, presses, or gripping work overload the forearm tendons. Technique issues, sudden training increases, and limited recovery can all contribute.

Can elbow pain come from the neck?

Yes. Elbow pain can be referred from the neck when a cervical nerve becomes irritated. This is more likely if you also have neck pain, tingling, burning, numbness, or symptoms that travel into the forearm or hand.

Why does my elbow hurt when I grip or lift?

Pain with gripping or lifting often points towards tendon overload around the elbow, especially tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow. Forearm muscle strain and repetitive hand use can also contribute.

Why does my elbow hurt at night?

Night pain can happen when the elbow is irritated enough to stay sensitive at rest, or when sleeping position keeps loading the joint or tendon. Persistent night pain, especially with swelling, trauma, or restricted movement, deserves assessment.

Is elbow swelling always bursitis?

No. Swelling over the point of the elbow often suggests olecranon bursitis, but swelling can also occur after trauma, infection, fracture, joint irritation, or inflammatory conditions.

How long does elbow pain take to settle?

Recovery time depends on the cause. Mild overload may settle within a few weeks, while persistent tendon pain often takes longer if load is not modified properly. Early diagnosis and the right exercise plan usually help.

When should you see a physiotherapist for elbow pain?

You should see a physiotherapist if elbow pain lasts more than one to two weeks, keeps returning, limits work or sport, or comes with weakness, tingling, stiffness, or reduced grip strength.

Quick elbow pain check

A physiotherapy assessment may be worthwhile if:

  • your elbow pain has lasted more than 1 to 2 weeks
  • gripping, lifting, gym work, or sport keeps flaring it up
  • you have weakness, tingling, or reduced movement
  • the pain keeps coming back
  • you are not sure if the pain is coming from the elbow or the neck

What to do next for elbow pain

If your elbow pain is recent, avoid repeatedly pushing into aggravating movements for a few days. However, complete rest is rarely the best long-term answer. Many elbow problems settle better when the real cause is identified and load is rebuilt in a sensible way.

If you are unsure whether your pain is coming from the tendon, nerve, bursa, joint, or neck, a physiotherapist can assess the area, explain what is most likely going on, and guide your recovery plan.

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References

  1. Wallis JA, Bourne AM, Jessup RL, Johnston RV, Frydman A, Cyril S, Buchbinder R. Manual therapy and exercise for lateral elbow pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024;5(5):CD013042. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD013042.pub2
  2. Adani N, Azalia X, Gani KS, et al. Non-traumatic medial-sided elbow pain: A comprehensive review of etiologies, diagnostic strategies, and treatment approaches. Cureus. 2025;17(10):e94701. doi:10.7759/cureus.94701
  3. Tennis elbow. Healthdirect Australia. Accessed March 31, 2026.

Common Wrist & Hand Injuries


John Miller Physiotherapist


Shane Armfield Physiotherapist

Article by
John Miller,
Shane Armfield
wrist hand pain physiotherapy

Common wrist and hand injuries include fractures, sprains, tendon problems, nerve irritation, and arthritis. They often cause pain, swelling, weakness, tingling, or reduced grip. The right treatment depends on which tissue is injured, how severe the problem is, and whether symptoms are recent, recurring, or slowly worsening.

Your wrist and hand are involved in almost every daily task, from typing and gripping to lifting, sport, and work. Because of that, even a mild injury can become frustrating quite quickly. This page explains the common causes of wrist and hand pain, links you to key diagnosis pages, and outlines how physiotherapy may help settle symptoms and restore function.

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Quick signs to look for

  • pain when gripping, lifting, twisting, or typing
  • swelling, stiffness, or reduced wrist movement
  • numbness or tingling into the thumb or fingers
  • pain around the thumb base or outer wrist
  • weak grip or trouble with jars, doors, sport, or work tasks

Where is your wrist or hand pain?

The location of your pain can offer useful clues. While a proper assessment is still important, this quick guide may help point you in the right direction.

Thumb-side wrist pain

Pain near the thumb side of the wrist often relates to tendon irritation or joint overload.

de Quervain’s tenosynovitis
Hand or wrist arthritis

Numbness or tingling

Pins and needles, night symptoms, or finger numbness may suggest nerve irritation.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Pain after a fall

Sudden pain, swelling, bruising, or reduced movement after trauma may indicate a fracture or sprain.

Broken wrist
Thumb sprain
Finger sprain

Pain with gripping or repetition

Gradual pain linked to tools, gym, typing, lifting, or sport often points to overuse.

Wrist tendinopathy
RSI - repetitive strain injury

What are common wrist and hand injuries?

Common wrist and hand injuries usually fall into three groups: traumatic injuries, overuse conditions, and joint-related conditions such as arthritis. The likely pattern often becomes clearer when you consider how symptoms started, the exact sore spot, and whether you also have weakness, numbness, swelling, or stiffness.

Traumatic wrist and hand injuries

Traumatic injuries often happen after a fall, a sporting impact, or a sudden twist. These problems usually cause sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty using the hand.

Overuse wrist and hand injuries

Overuse problems develop when tissues are loaded faster than they recover. This often happens with prolonged gripping, repetitive work, gym training, racquet sports, tool use, childcare, or poor workstation setup.

Joint and systemic causes

Some people develop wrist or hand pain because of joint wear, inflammation, or broader health conditions. These presentations often cause aching, stiffness, swelling, and reduced hand function over time.

Why do common wrist and hand injuries happen?

Common wrist and hand injuries happen because tissues are overloaded, twisted, compressed, inflamed, or directly injured. Sometimes the cause is obvious, such as a fall. In other cases, symptoms build gradually from repeated gripping, poor ergonomics, forceful thumb use, sport, work, or a sudden jump in activity without enough recovery.

Overuse problems especially need sensible exercise load management. If your tissues keep getting stressed faster than they adapt, symptoms often linger. A physiotherapist can help you modify load, technique, and recovery without shutting down all activity.

Common wrist and hand injury patterns at a glance

Symptom pattern
Common clue
Possible condition

Pain after a fall
Bruising, swelling, sudden pain
Broken wrist or sprain

Thumb-side wrist pain
Pain lifting, gripping, wringing

Numb fingers at night
Tingling, shaking hand for relief

Pain with typing or repetition
Builds gradually with use

Stiff aching joints
Morning stiffness or age-related change

When should you worry about wrist or hand pain?

You should take wrist or hand pain seriously if you have marked swelling, deformity, severe bruising, numbness that does not settle, night pain, dropping objects, or pain after a fall onto an outstretched hand. These signs may point to a fracture, significant ligament injury, or nerve compression that needs prompt assessment.

It is also sensible to seek help if symptoms are not settling after a few days, are returning each time you train or work, or are stopping you from gripping, lifting, typing, or sleeping comfortably. For broader public advice, Healthdirect also provides useful guidance on hand pain.

How are common wrist and hand injuries treated?

Treatment for common wrist and hand injuries depends on the diagnosis, but most plans aim to reduce irritation, restore movement, rebuild strength, and improve load tolerance. Physiotherapy often combines hands-on treatment, activity advice, exercises, taping or bracing, and a staged return to normal tasks.

Early management

Recent injuries often respond best to early injury treatment, temporary activity changes, and avoiding the HARM factors. Early assessment is particularly useful when pain follows a fall, forceful twist, or sudden increase in use.

Movement, strength, and tissue loading

Stiff or painful joints may improve with manual physiotherapy techniques and a tailored exercise plan. Strength and control work can help wrist tendinopathy, RSI, and recovery after sprains. In some cases, physiotherapy instrument mobilisation may also be used to improve mobility.

Ergonomics and support

If work or study seems to be contributing, improving ergonomics or booking an online workstation assessment can reduce repeated strain. Some presentations also benefit from temporary support using a wrist brace, supportive taping, or kinesiology tape.

Pain relief options

Depending on the diagnosis, some people may benefit from short-term pain relief strategies such as acupuncture or dry needling, heat, or TENS machines. These options work best when they support an active rehabilitation plan rather than replace it.

FAQs about common wrist and hand injuries

What are the most common wrist and hand injuries?

The most common wrist and hand injuries include fractures, finger and thumb sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome, de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, RSI, wrist tendinopathy, and hand or wrist arthritis. The most likely diagnosis depends on how your pain started, where it sits, and whether you also have swelling, weakness, or tingling.

Can common wrist and hand injuries heal without surgery?

Yes, many common wrist and hand injuries improve well with non-surgical care such as protection, load modification, exercises, bracing, and physiotherapy. Surgery is usually reserved for more severe fractures, major ligament injuries, persistent nerve compression, or symptoms that do not respond to appropriate conservative treatment.

What is the difference between carpal tunnel syndrome and de Quervain’s tenosynovitis?

Carpal tunnel syndrome usually causes numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand because the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. de Quervain’s tenosynovitis usually causes pain and swelling near the thumb side of the wrist because the involved tendons become irritated.

Can typing cause wrist and hand injuries?

Typing alone is not always the full cause, but it can contribute when combined with long hours, poor workstation setup, high repetition, gripping tasks, or limited breaks. Symptoms are more likely when overall load builds faster than your tissues can recover.

How can physiotherapy help common wrist and hand injuries?

Physiotherapy may help by identifying the painful tissue, improving movement, reducing irritation, building strength, and guiding a safer return to work, exercise, and daily tasks. It can also help you modify technique, training, or workstation habits that may be driving the problem.

When should I see a physiotherapist for wrist or hand pain?

You should consider a physiotherapy assessment if pain is persistent, recurring, linked to swelling or weakness, or interfering with sleep, work, gym training, sport, or daily use of your hand. Earlier assessment is often helpful after a fall, a sudden twist, or ongoing numbness and tingling.

What should you do next for common wrist and hand injuries?

If your wrist or hand pain is not settling, keeps returning, or is stopping you from doing normal tasks, a physiotherapy assessment can help clarify the likely diagnosis and the best next step. Early advice often reduces frustration and helps you avoid prolonged protection, repeated flare-ups, or guessing with the wrong treatment.

Your physiotherapist can help work out whether the issue is more likely to be a fracture, sprain, tendon problem, nerve irritation, or arthritis-related stiffness, then build a plan around your work, sport, and recovery goals.

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References

  1. Zaheer SA, Salahuddin M, Hussain F, et al. Neurodynamic Techniques in the Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med. 2023;12(16):5277. doi:10.3390/jcm12165277
  2. Challoumas D, Ramasubbu R, Rooney E, Seymour-Jackson E, Putti A, Millar NL. Management of de Quervain Tenosynovitis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(10):e2337001. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.37001
  3. Kolasinski SL, Neogi T, Hochberg MC, et al. 2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for the Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hand, Hip, and Knee. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2020;72(2):149-162. doi:10.1002/acr.24131
  4. Karanasios S, Korakakis V, Mavraganis K, et al. Exercise-Based Interventions Are Effective in the Management of Patients with Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. J Clin Med. 2024;13(9):2478. doi:10.3390/jcm13092478

Common Causes of Arm Pain

John Miller Physiotherapist Chelsea Gan Physiotherapist
Article by John Miller & Chelsea Gan
Female physiotherapist assessing common causes of arm pain during upper limb examination in clinic
Physiotherapist assessing shoulder and arm movement to identify the cause of arm pain.

What are the common causes of arm pain?

Common causes of arm pain include problems affecting the arm, neck, shoulder, elbow, and wrist and hand. Pain may come from muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, or referred pain from the neck. Some cases follow injury or overuse, while others build gradually with irritation, inflammation, or joint change.

Arm pain can start after sport, work, lifting, a fall, or repeated strain. It may feel sharp, dull, aching, burning, or tingling. In some people, the pain stays local. In others, it travels from the neck into the shoulder, elbow, forearm, or hand. For a broader overview, read our Arm Pain guide.

Because several body regions can refer symptoms into the arm, the right treatment depends on the exact source. For example, cervical radiculopathy may cause pain, tingling, or numbness into the arm, while shoulder, elbow, or wrist problems more often cause local pain with movement.

Quick summary

  • Arm pain can come from the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand
  • Overuse, injury, inflammation, arthritis, and nerve irritation are common causes
  • Tingling or numbness may suggest nerve involvement
  • Weakness or reduced grip can point to tendon, nerve, or joint problems
  • Sudden left arm pain with chest symptoms needs urgent medical review

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Common causes of arm pain by body region

Neck-related arm pain

Neck problems can refer pain into the upper arm, forearm, or hand. This pattern is common with cervical radiculopathy, pinched nerve, or other forms of neck arm pain. You may also notice tingling, numbness, altered sensation, or weakness.

Shoulder pain

Shoulder conditions often cause pain in the upper arm, especially with lifting, reaching, dressing, or sleeping on that side. Common examples include rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, shoulder bursitis, and biceps tendinopathy.

Elbow pain

Elbow pain commonly develops from repeated gripping, lifting, racquet sports, gym training, or manual work. Frequent causes include tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and olecranon bursitis. Pain may sit on the inside or outside of the elbow and can spread down the forearm.

Wrist and hand pain

Wrist and hand problems can cause local pain, stiffness, swelling, tingling, or reduced grip strength. Common examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist and hand arthritis, de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, repetitive strain injury, or a finger sprain.

Common causes of arm pain by tissue type

Muscle strain

Muscle strain can cause aching, tightness, and pain with lifting or resisted movement. It often follows heavy work, sport, or a sudden overload.

Tendinopathy

Tendinopathy affects the tendons that attach muscle to bone. This type of pain often builds gradually and worsens with repeated activity or loading.

Ligament injury

Ligament injuries usually follow a twist, fall, or forceful stretch. They may cause pain, swelling, bruising, and joint instability.

Arthritis

Arthritis may cause aching, stiffness, joint swelling, and reduced movement. Symptoms often feel worse after rest or with repeated use.

Bursitis

Bursitis is irritation of a bursa, which helps reduce friction between tissues. It may cause local pain, swelling, and tenderness near a joint.

Nerve irritation

Nerve-related arm pain may cause burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness. Depending on the source, this can occur with cervical radiculopathy, a pinched nerve, or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Is arm pain ever serious?

Yes. Arm pain is not always serious, but some symptoms need urgent medical review. Sudden severe left arm pain with chest pressure, shortness of breath, dizziness, or sweating may point to a heart-related problem. A clear deformity, major swelling, loss of movement, or severe trauma also needs urgent care.

When should you seek professional help for arm pain?

You should seek assessment if your pain is severe, keeps returning, lasts more than a few days, or limits sleep, work, sport, or daily activities. It is also sensible to get checked if you notice weakness, dropping objects, pins and needles, numbness, swelling, bruising, or pain spreading from the neck.

How is the cause of arm pain diagnosed?

A physiotherapist or doctor will usually assess your symptom pattern, injury history, neck and upper limb movement, strength, nerve signs, and areas of tenderness. They may also consider whether the pain is referred from another region, such as the neck or shoulder. Imaging is only used when clinically appropriate.

What can help arm pain?

Treatment depends on the cause of your arm pain. A physiotherapist may recommend activity modification, manual therapy, progressive strengthening, mobility work, nerve-related exercises, taping, or a staged return to work and sport. Early assessment can help guide the right plan and reduce the risk of ongoing symptoms.

What to do next

If your arm pain is not settling, book an assessment with your physiotherapist or doctor. Early diagnosis can help identify whether the source is the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, muscle, tendon, ligament, joint, or nerve. That makes treatment more targeted and may help you recover sooner.

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Shoulder Products

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Related Articles

  1. Arm Pain – Broader guide to upper limb pain causes, assessment, and treatment.
  2. Neck Arm Pain – Learn how neck problems can refer symptoms into the arm.
  3. Cervical Radiculopathy – A common nerve-related source of arm pain, tingling, or numbness.
  4. Rotator Cuff Injury – A frequent shoulder-related cause of upper arm pain.
  5. Tennis Elbow – Common outer elbow pain linked to gripping and overuse.
  6. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Nerve compression in the wrist that can cause pain, tingling, and weakness.

References

  1. Mayo Clinic. Arm pain: Definition.
  2. Mayo Clinic. Arm pain: Causes.
  3. Mayo Clinic. Arm pain: When to see a doctor.
  4. NHS. Elbow and arm pain.
  5. MedlinePlus. Arm Injuries and Disorders.
  6. MedlinePlus. Elbow Injuries and Disorders.
  7. MedlinePlus. Wrist Injuries and Disorders.

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Arm Pain FAQs

What are the most common causes of arm pain?

The most common causes of arm pain include neck-related nerve irritation, shoulder injuries, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle strain, tendinopathy, ligament injury, bursitis, and arthritis. The location of your symptoms often helps point to the main source.

Can neck problems cause arm pain?

Yes. Neck conditions such as cervical radiculopathy or a pinched nerve can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that travels into the shoulder, arm, or hand. This is called referred or nerve-related pain and may feel different from local shoulder or elbow pain.

When should I worry about arm pain?

You should seek urgent medical help for sudden severe arm pain with chest symptoms, major trauma, obvious deformity, severe swelling, or major loss of movement. Ongoing pain, weakness, numbness, or repeated flare-ups also deserve assessment so the source is not missed.

Should I see a physiotherapist for arm pain?

Yes. A physiotherapist may help identify whether your arm pain is coming from the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or joints. They can then explain the likely cause and guide a treatment plan based on your symptoms, goals, and daily demands.

Can arm pain go away on its own?

Some mild cases settle with rest, activity changes, and time. However, persistent, worsening, or repeated symptoms usually need assessment, especially if you have tingling, weakness, night pain, or trouble using the arm for work, sport, or normal daily tasks.

Common Youth Arm Injuries

John Miller Physiotherapist Chelsea Gan Physiotherapist
Article by John Miller & Chelsea Gan
Gymnast performing handstand with shoulder stability assessment by physiotherapist
Handstand shoulder control assessment in gymnast

Common youth arm injuries usually affect the elbow, shoulder, wrist, or growth plates in active children and teenagers. They often develop from repeated throwing, tumbling, gripping, falls, or rapid training spikes. If your child plays overhead or weight-bearing sport, compare this page with kids sports injuries and kids arm pain to narrow down the most likely cause.

Because growing bones are still developing, young athletes can get injuries that behave differently from adult tendon problems. Growth plates and apophyses are often the weak point, especially around the elbow, shoulder, and wrist. That is why early load changes, good technique, and the right assessment matter.

Common signs to watch for

  • Pain with throwing, serving, tumbling, or gripping
  • Pain that eases with rest but returns during sport
  • Tenderness around the elbow, shoulder, wrist, or forearm
  • Reduced speed, strength, accuracy, or confidence
  • Swelling, guarding, clicking, or locking

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What are common youth arm injuries?

Common youth arm injuries include thrower’s elbow, medial apophysitis, growth plate stress injuries, gymnast’s wrist, sprains, fractures, and osteochondritis dissecans. The exact diagnosis depends on your child’s age, sport, training load, and where the pain sits.

In throwing and racquet sports, the main problems often involve the inside of the elbow or the shoulder. In gymnastics and tumbling, repeated weight-bearing can overload the wrist, elbow, and growth plates. More general or persistent symptoms may also overlap with broader arm pain patterns.

What causes common youth arm injuries?

Common youth arm injuries usually happen when training load rises faster than the growing body can adapt. Repeated throwing, too many competitions, poor recovery, growth spurts, and falls are some of the biggest drivers.

Recent reviews note that many youth overuse injuries occur at the relatively weaker growth centres rather than at adult-style tendon sites. Repetitive throwing sports are a classic example, but gymnastics, racquet sports, and contact sports can also stress the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand.

Thrower’s elbow is one of the best-known youth overuse arm injuries.

Thrower’s elbow and medial apophysitis

Thrower’s elbow usually describes overload on the inner side of the elbow in young overhead athletes. It commonly affects cricket, baseball, softball, and tennis players who throw or serve often, especially during growth spurts or busy tournament periods.

One common diagnosis is medial apophysitis, often called Little League elbow. This happens when repeated valgus stress irritates the growth area near the medial epicondyle. Children may report inner elbow pain, loss of throwing speed, soreness after sport, or tenderness that keeps returning. If your child’s symptoms clearly build with overhead sport, compare them with throwing injuries, baseball injuries, and cricket injuries.

Osteochondritis dissecans and joint surface injury

Osteochondritis dissecans can affect the capitellum of the elbow in young throwing athletes and gymnasts. It involves damage to the bone and cartilage surface and may cause deeper elbow pain, catching, locking, stiffness, or loss of range.

This is more serious than a simple overload flare. Stable cases may settle with unloading and staged rehabilitation, but unstable lesions sometimes need specialist review. For a related PhysioWorks page, see juvenile osteochondritis dissecans.

Growth plate stress injuries in the arm

Growth plate stress injuries happen because immature bone does not tolerate repeated load as well as mature tissue. These injuries can affect the shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand and deserve attention because delayed diagnosis can prolong symptoms and, in rare cases, affect growth.

Examples include little league shoulder, little league elbow, and gymnast’s wrist. Children often say the arm feels sore during sport, improves with rest, then flares again when training resumes. A spike in throwing volume, too many teams at once, or heavy tumbling loads can all contribute.

Gymnastics upper limb injuries in youth athletes

Gymnastics places high load through the arms because they act as weight-bearing limbs during skills such as handstands, tumbling, and vaulting. This repeated loading can stress the wrist, elbow, and shoulder, particularly during growth spurts.

One of the most recognised conditions is gymnast’s wrist, which involves irritation of the distal radial growth plate. Athletes may report wrist pain with weight-bearing, reduced tolerance to training, or soreness that builds across sessions. Elbow and shoulder overload injuries can also develop with repeated tumbling or high training volumes.

These injuries often behave differently from adult conditions. Growth plate irritation is more common than tendon problems, so early load management is important. If symptoms are persistent, compare with wrist pain or shoulder pain pages to guide next steps.

Common gymnastics-related arm injuries

  • Gymnast’s wrist (distal radial growth plate stress)
  • Elbow overload and osteochondritis dissecans
  • Shoulder overuse injuries during tumbling and bars work
  • Repetitive strain from high training volume

When should you worry about youth arm injuries?

You should worry more about youth arm injuries if pain follows a fall, causes swelling or deformity, keeps returning with sport, wakes your child at night, or leads to locking, catching, numbness, or clear loss of strength.

Get your child assessed sooner if they have:

  • Rapid swelling or visible deformity after trauma
  • Ongoing pain over a growth plate
  • Clicking, catching, locking, or loss of motion
  • Numbness, tingling, or noticeable weakness
  • Pain that keeps returning despite rest

If the pain is local to the elbow, it may also help to review the broader elbow pain cluster. For public health advice on youth throwing safety, the official Pitch Smart guidelines are also worth reviewing with parents and coaches.

How are common youth arm injuries treated?

Most common youth arm injuries improve with the right diagnosis, short-term load reduction, and a gradual return-to-sport plan. Treatment usually focuses on settling irritation, protecting the injured area, restoring strength and movement, and fixing the training or technique issue that caused the overload.

Physiotherapy may include shoulder and elbow strength work, trunk and hip control, wrist or forearm loading, mobility work, technique advice, and staged return to throwing or tumbling. Management is not one-size-fits-all. A child with growth plate irritation needs a different plan from a child with a fracture, instability, or osteochondritis dissecans.

FAQs about common youth arm injuries

Can children get tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow?

Sometimes, but classic adult tendon problems are less common in younger athletes than growth plate irritation. In children and early teenagers, inner or outer elbow pain often needs careful review to rule out apophysitis, instability, or overload at a developing structure.

Is arm pain during throwing normal in kids?

No. Mild muscle soreness can happen after sport, but repeated pain during throwing is not something to push through. If pain changes speed, accuracy, confidence, or willingness to throw, the load or diagnosis needs to be checked.

What sport causes the most youth arm injuries?

Throwing and overhead sports create a high elbow and shoulder load, so baseball, softball, cricket, and tennis are common triggers. Gymnastics also places high stress through the wrist and elbow because the arms become weight-bearing limbs.

Do growth spurts increase the risk?

Yes. Growth spurts can change movement control, flexibility, strength balance, and tissue tolerance. That means a training load that felt fine a few months ago may suddenly become too much for a growing athlete.

Will my child need imaging?

Not always. Many overuse injuries can be suspected from a careful history and physical assessment. However, X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI may be appropriate if there is trauma, suspected fracture, locking, persistent growth plate pain, or concern about osteochondritis dissecans.

How long should my child rest?

That depends on the diagnosis. Some mild overload injuries settle with short-term load reduction and a graded rebuild, while growth plate injuries or joint surface injuries may need a longer break and closer progression. Rest alone is not enough if the load problem is not addressed.

What to do next

If your child has ongoing arm pain with sport, do not rely on guesswork. Start by reducing the painful activity, note exactly what triggers symptoms, and avoid pushing through repeated elbow, shoulder, or wrist pain during growth.

A physiotherapist can assess whether the problem looks like overload, a growth plate injury, joint irritation, or a more significant sports injury. Early guidance often shortens recovery and helps young athletes return with a safer plan.

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References

  1. Lintner LJ, Swisher J, Sitton ZE. Childhood and Adolescent Sports-Related Overuse Injuries. Am Fam Physician. 2023;108(6):544-553.
  2. Caine D, Patel V, Nguyen JC. Overuse Injury of the Epiphyseal Primary Physis. Semin Musculoskelet Radiol. 2024;28(4):375-383. doi:10.1055/s-0044-1785207
  3. Shanley E, Kissenberth MJ, Thigpen CA, et al. Arm Injury in Youth Baseball Players: a 10-Year Cohort Study. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2023;32(6S):S106-S111. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2023.02.009
  4. Major League Baseball and USA Baseball. Pitch Smart. Accessed March 30, 2026.
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