Young athletes are susceptible to almost all of the knee injuries seen in adults, but two of the more common conditions that affect teens and pre-teens are Osgood-Schlatter disease and patello-femoral (kneecap) pain.
Because youngsters’ muscles, bones and joints are not fully developed, it’s important that symptoms be evaluated by a professional to avoid prolonged discomfort, a more severe injury, or even unnecessary removal from an activity.
Osgood-Schlatter disease is the most common cause of knee pain in young athletes, particularly boys. It's caused by repetitive tension from vigorous knee movements and has a tell-tale tender bump just below the kneecap. It is aggravated by running, jumping, kneeling, and squatting. The problem resolves when growth is completed in that part of the bone, around age 15. There is no need to completely restrict activity with this condition, but some cases will require a partial decrease in painful activity, anti-inflammatory medicine, ice and flexibility exercises. It is essential to use proper technique when strengthening the legs, to minimize pain.
Another area of pain in youngsters is the patello-femoral joint, or kneecap area.(it’s not just the kneecap, but also the area immediately surrounding it) The pain can be caused by a slight misalignment between the kneecap and the rest of the knee. If misalignment is the cause, treatment can include taping, temporary bracing and a physical therapy program of specific exercises to stretch tight muscles and strengthen weak muscles around the kneecap. Sometimes, even arch supports will help, if a foot problem is causing the knee to be misaligned. It is one of the most frequently seen problems by physical therapists.
There are other causes of knee pain in young people that require the expertise of a professional health care team for proper diagnosis and treatment. These conditions include detached fragments of bone and/or cartilage, which are not preceded by an injury. If a young person’s knee problem does not respond to simple measures such as ice, compression, elevation and decreased activity, a visit to the doctor is definitely in order.
Tony Oliveri is a licensed physical therapist who owns Oliveri Physical Therapy and Sports Training in Rochester.
