COMMON CAUSES OF KNEE PAIN IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

youth holding ice on his knee while demonstrating knee pain in children

COMMON CAUSES OF KNEE PAIN IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Kids going through a rapid growth spurt are vulnerable to anterior knee pain. This is pain that occurs at the front of the knee and is often due to tendinitis, overload of the knee cap or stress of the growth plate where the patellar tendon inserts (often referred to as Osgood-Schlatter disease).

Osgood-Schlatter's Disease, one of the most common causes of knee pain in children, explained through anatomical picture

 

This is often characterized by a painful bump just below the knee that is worse with activity and better with rest. Osgood-Schlatter disease most often occurs in adolescents during growth spurts, when bones, muscles, tendons, and other structures are changing rapidly. Because physical activity puts additional stress on bones and muscles, children who participate in athletics — especially running and jumping sports – are at an increased risk for this condition. However, less active adolescents may also experience this problem.

PAIN RELIEF

Sometimes, simple measures like rest, over-the-counter medication, and stretching and strengthening exercises will help relieve pain. In addition, I highly recommend wearing a knee compression sleeve or wrap. If the pain is below the knee cap I would suggest a Patella Helix. If the pain is not diffuse, then an Adjustable Knee Helix would be best.

WHY COMPRESSION WORKS

When your child is growing, quickly they lose flexibility and they need time for the muscles to strengthen to catch up to the longer levers (limbs). Applying compression takes some of the stress off of the area that becomes mechanically overloaded by these imbalances.

 

Learn, Share, Inspire.

Coach Fred

Share This Article

Subscribe

Recent Posts

Special Notice: In an attempt to ensure you get your package in a timely manner during the Holiday Shopping Season, from Dec 1 – Dec 25 we will be shipping all packages with Priority Mail. In an attempt to ensure you will not be a victim of a Porch Pirate, we are offering the option to ask for Signature Delivery. This option is offered FREE OF CHARGE. Please indicate in the NOTES section during checkout if you would like to take advantage of Signature Delivery.

10% OFF

YOUR FIRST ORDER

Free shipping on orders over $75