Physiotherapy Advice

Does Your Child Or Teenager Have Knee Pain?

Children and teenagers frequently experience non-traumatic knee pain. Non-traumatic pain is pain that is not caused by a specific injury. Instead, the pain results from overuse, repetitive movements, and sudden increases in activities. This population is at a higher risk for knee pain because their bones are still growing, making the knee vulnerable to injury. 2 common types of non-traumatic knee pain in adolescents and children include:

1. Osgood-Schlatter. This overuse injury is specific to adolescence. The most common causes include running, jumping, and “cutting” movements which can put too much stress on the growing bone. Symptoms include pain and swelling at the top of the shin (below the knee cap) where the quadriceps tendon controlling the knee cap attaches. Commonly a boney bump begins to grow. Left untreated, pain increases, the quadriceps muscle weakens, and kneeling, squatting, and stair climbing become difficult.

2. Patellofemoral Syndrome. This injury is common among athletes and active teenagers, especially females. Common causes include repetitive activities and poor knee cap movement. Pain occurs in and around the knee cap, and increases with activity, especially stair and hill climbing and squatting activities. Sitting with the knee bent can become painful. Early intervention by a Physiotherapist can help to reduce knee pain and speed recovery. If you or your child experience severe pain or minor pains that last more than 48 hours after activity, you should contact your Physiotherapist.

At Keystone Physiotherapy we are highly experienced with treating knee pain. We will work with you to achieve your goals. We offer early morning and evening appointments, allowing you to work around busy schedules.