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.
Showing posts with label knee pain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label knee pain. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Knee Pain
Knee pain is one of the most common complaints among both athletes and non-athletes. Sources of knee pain include ligament sprains, muscle strains, bruises, and even fractures. In addition, inflammation in the form of arthritis, tendinitis, or bursitis may be the culprit. Quite frequently, a person can develop knee pain without recalling an actual injury.
If you develop knee pain and don’t know what it is, many possibilities exist. Tendinitis refers to inflammation of a tendon, the area where a muscle attaches to bone. Bursitis is inflammation of the small fluid sacs which help to lubricate joints, while arthritis refers to inflammation of the surfaces of bones which are normally smooth and glide painlessly upon one another during movement. There are numerous possible causes for all of these forms of inflammation, including trauma, overuse, strain, and the various forms of arthritis which are too numerous to mention here.
One of the more commonly reported maladies of the knee is referred to as anterior knee pain, or “patellofemoral” pain. This can be caused by a slight misalignment between the kneecap (patella) and the rest of the knee. Often, this pain develops following a change in activity (or sport) or even from wearing a worn out pair of shoes for too long! The trick to eliminating the pain, is, of course, finding the cause. If the cause is not obvious or the pain severe, you should contact a health care professional for assistance.
Self-treatment for minor knee discomfort includes ice (20 minutes at a time),decreased activity, and application of over-the counter anti-inflammatory cremes. If you use an elastic knee support, it should not be applied too tightly or overnight: you’ll end up with a swollen foot or ankle due to compression of blood vessels behind your knee. Medical treatment could involve drugs, injections, and sometimes surgery. Physical therapy treatment can include taping, temporary bracing, ultrasound, infrared cold laser and instruction in specific exercises to stretch tight muscles and strengthen weak muscles around your knee. In addition, electrical stimulation to some of the knee muscles has been shown to help in many cases.
If you develop knee pain and don’t know what it is, many possibilities exist. Tendinitis refers to inflammation of a tendon, the area where a muscle attaches to bone. Bursitis is inflammation of the small fluid sacs which help to lubricate joints, while arthritis refers to inflammation of the surfaces of bones which are normally smooth and glide painlessly upon one another during movement. There are numerous possible causes for all of these forms of inflammation, including trauma, overuse, strain, and the various forms of arthritis which are too numerous to mention here.
One of the more commonly reported maladies of the knee is referred to as anterior knee pain, or “patellofemoral” pain. This can be caused by a slight misalignment between the kneecap (patella) and the rest of the knee. Often, this pain develops following a change in activity (or sport) or even from wearing a worn out pair of shoes for too long! The trick to eliminating the pain, is, of course, finding the cause. If the cause is not obvious or the pain severe, you should contact a health care professional for assistance.
Self-treatment for minor knee discomfort includes ice (20 minutes at a time),decreased activity, and application of over-the counter anti-inflammatory cremes. If you use an elastic knee support, it should not be applied too tightly or overnight: you’ll end up with a swollen foot or ankle due to compression of blood vessels behind your knee. Medical treatment could involve drugs, injections, and sometimes surgery. Physical therapy treatment can include taping, temporary bracing, ultrasound, infrared cold laser and instruction in specific exercises to stretch tight muscles and strengthen weak muscles around your knee. In addition, electrical stimulation to some of the knee muscles has been shown to help in many cases.
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