Knee pain in teenagers is a common complaint, particularly among physically active teens and those engaged in sports. It is also known as adolescent anterior knee pain and is characterized by pain in the center of the knee, beneath the patella (knee cap). Athletic teenagers are more likely to develop anterior knee pain than others. Overuse of muscles or a training schedule without sufficient muscle strengthening or stretching exercises may also cause knee pain in teens. Otherwise, knee joint abnormalities or diseases are rare in teenagers. Read on to know the causes, complications, treatment, and prevention of knee pain in teens.
Symptoms And Signs Of Teenage Knee Pain
The location of the pain may vary depending on the underlying cause. Some children may have anterior knee pain, while others may have posterior knee pain. The following signs and symptoms can be associated with knee pain in most teens (1).
Pain intensity increases over time Redness
Swelling Tenderness Warmth or fever Pain felt during knee flexion Popping sounds heard from the knee during movements Problems in weight-bearing on leg Inability to keep knees fully flexed or extended
Severe knee pain and other symptoms require pediatric consultation. Doctors may help to identify the cause of pain and treat it.
Is Knee Pain In Teens Common?
Anterior knee pain due to overuse and sports are common among teens. They may also commonly experience growing pains in the knee. It is difficult to rate the exact incidence of knee pain since the definition of knee pain may vary in each cause.
How Long Does Knee Pain In Teens Last?
There is no specific duration for knee pain in teens. It may vary depending on the severity and type of underlying conditions. Knee pain due to overuse may relieve immediately with rest. Knee pain due to knee injuries, such as ligament tear, may even continue after treatment until the injury heals. Growing pains in the knee are experienced during growth spurts in teenagers. This type of pain may resolve once the growth is completed.
Causes Of Knee Pain
The common causes of knee pain in teenagers may include the following conditions (2). Although teens may have growth spurts, knee pain in teens is not always growing pains. Sometimes, this may be over-labeled as a growing pain, and the underlying reasons may stay unresolved.
Risk Factors For Knee Pain
The following factors may increase the risk for knee pain in teens (3).
Overweight and obesity may increase strain on knee joints Lack of muscle strength and flexibility may make the knee joint unstable during motion Certain sports involving repeated jumps, such as alpine skiing and basketball, may increase chances of knee pain History of knee injury can increase the risk of knee pain and further knee injuries
Complications Associated With Knee Pain
Knee pain due to growth or overuse may not cause severe complications in most teens. Knee injuries have an increased risk of recurrence, and the pain may worsen if left unmanaged. Medical conditions, such as osteoarthritis in obese teens, may cause increased pain. If left untreated, teens with musculoskeletal disorders may also have an increased risk for worsening knee pain over time.
Prevention Of Knee Pain In Teens
All cases of knee pain cannot be prevented. The following tips may help to reduce the risk of knee pain in some teens (4).
Weight loss may help to reduce knee pain in obese teens. Activities such as swimming and aerobics can be tried for weight loss in the initial stages since they have a low impact on the knees. Condition the muscles for sports activities. This may increase the flexibility and strength of the muscles. Practice sports with perfect techniques. A trainer or coach can help the teen learn movement patterns and sports techniques that minimize knee injury risk. Avoid overtraining to prevent overuse injuries. Stretching before exercise and using an ice pack after exercises may help to reduce knee pain.
Limiting high-impact activities may reduce pain in some children. Seek medical care in case of chronic knee pain since early interventions may prevent the worsening of underlying causes.
When To See A Doctor?
It is not ideal to use pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, to mask the pain and participate in sports. This may worsen the injuries and pain over time. Seek medical care in the following circumstances (5).
Knee pain lasting more than two weeks Limping due to pain Unable to do sport activities Pain while playing sports Performance is affected by the pain Knee injuries
Never force your teen to participate in sports with knee pain. All cases of knee pain are not related to growth. An orthopedic doctor should evaluate the teen to identify the exact cause.
Diagnosis Of Knee Pain
Doctors may examine the knee movement and local signs of inflammation during physical examination. The following imaging tests are often ordered to identify the cause (3).
X-ray imaging of knee joint helps to visualize degenerative joint diseases and fractures. Computed tomography (CT) scan may help visualize subtle fractures and gout. Ultrasound imaging of the knee helps to look at the soft tissues around the knee. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be used to visualize soft tissues, such as tendons, ligaments, cartilages, and muscles in the knee. Blood tests may help to identify infection or inflammation markers. Arthrocentesis involves needle aspiration of synovial fluid from the knee joint and its laboratory analysis.
Blood tests, X-rays, and physical examination of knee flexibility, range of motion, and strength may often confirm the diagnosis. Other tests are usually ordered if these examinations are not enough for diagnosis.
Home Care For Knee Pain
The following self-care measures may help to reduce knee pain in some teens (3).
Rest: Reducing knee strain by avoiding high-impact activities may help in recovery. Ice packs: This may help to reduce inflammation and pain. You may use it for less than 20 minutes at a time.
Heat pack: This may help to relieve pain in some teens. Compression bandage: A breathable compression bandage may help prevent fluid build-up and provide better stability for the knees. Elevation: Keeping legs on a pillow or using a recliner may reduce swelling.
Treatment For Knee Pain
Treatment options may vary depending on the underlying cause of knee pain. The following treatments are usually prescribed for teens (3).
Medications: Pain relievers are often prescribed for teens. Conditions such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis are also treated with medications. Physical therapy: This may help to strengthen the muscles by specific exercises. This may also improve flexibility and balance. Correction of sports techniques: If the knee pain is related to inappropriate sports techniques, your teen may feel better after correcting it. Arch supports: Wedges on one side of the heel may reduce pressure on the knee. This can be useful in the case of osteoarthritis. Knee braces: This may help support and protect the knee.
Some conditions may require direct injection of medication or other substances to the knee joint. Arthroscopic surgeries are often recommended for knee injuries.
