Sports Medicine
A Crucial Period
Good Pain, Bad Pain
On Your Knees
Secondary Injuries
Imaging Technology
What's Sciatica?
The Female Athlete
Putting Your Feet First
Itis Schmitis
Too Much, Too Soon
Under the Influence
Twisted
What's Goin' On?
Think Inches, Not Pounds
Preventing Vaginitis
That Painful Pull
Athlete's Heart
Exercise & Arthritis
Chilled to the Bone
Measuring Body Fat
Exercise and Your Breasts
Choosing a Sports Doctor
Lean on Me (Shoulder)
Exercise & Anemia
Exercise Abuse
Pelvis Sighting
Hand Aid
It's All in the Wrist
Back in Action
Altitude Adjustment
Tennis Elbow, Anyone?
Exercising in the Heat
Agony of the Feet
Restless Legs
Night Time Cramps
Birth Control Concerns
No Periods, No Babies?
Post Partum Prescription
Weight Loss Mystery
Undesirable Cooldown
To Brew Or Not To Brew
Fitness After Baby
Biking and Back Pain
Swimmer's Shoulder
A Hidden Athlete
Avoiding Osteoporosis
Drug Testing
Maximum Heart Rate
Headway Against Headaches
Torn Rotator Cuff
Fat Figures
SOS About PMS
Bloody Urine
Sag Story
Lackluster Leg
Bothersome Bulge
Gaining in Years
Taking It On the Shin
Aching Ankles
Hoop Help
Tender Toes
Meals For Muscle
Growing Pains
Hot Tips
High Altitude PMS
Personal Bests
Air Pollution
Ankle Blues
Heartbreak Heel
Yeast Relief



Growing Pains

Q: I am 15 years old and active in many sports. I lift weights two times per week. The day after I work out, not only do my muscles hurt, but so do my bones. Is this normal, or am I too young to do serious weight training? Why does this happen and what can I do about it?

C.B.
Hellertown, PA

A: It is not unusual for a teenaged weight trainer to experience bone pain. When you are still growing, the muscle and tendon sheaths are not fully developed where they attach to the bone. Excessive strain can cause bone pain and tendon inflammation.

The pain may be worse during growth spurts, when muscles and tendons are stretching to fit the lengthening bones. The additional stress from your exercise may be counterproductive.

It is not a good idea to continue straining the tendon-bone junction to the extent of causing bone pain. You may be selling yourself up for some chronic tendinitis. Take two or three days off, or exercise very lightly, if you think you might be going through a growth spurt.

We would recommend you back off on the amount of weight you lift, and do more repetitions. Rest at least one day between sessions, and do a warm-up exercise, such as stationary cycling or brisk walking, followed by a stretching session, before and after you work out. Think, "train, don't strain." Any pain that doesn't go away after a day or two of rest, or a good warm-up, is something that needs attention.

Keep up the good work, and take your time getting stronger while you are growing so you don't end up injured. Don't push yourself through growing pains, they should go away as your body matures.

About the authors: Carol L. Otis, M.D., is Chief Medical Advisor to the Sanex WTA and a UCLA student health physician. Roger Goldingay is a former professional soccer player. They are married and the co-authors of The Athletic Woman's Survival Guide.


Order Now!
Order The Athletic Woman's Survival Guide
Table of Contents

Foreword: Billie Jean King

Comments by Barb Harris
Editor in Chief,
Shape Magazine



General Health
Nutrition
Exercise
Common Medical Problems
Dental Health
Emergency!
Infectious Disease
Sexual Health
Emotional Well-Being
Eating Disorders
Alcohol & Other Drugs
Environmental Health
Prevention


The information in this web site is for educational purposes only and is not providing medical or professional advice. It should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. If you have or suspect you might have any health problems, you should consult a physician.


Copyright 2000 - Sports Doctor, Inc.