Table of Contents
Introduction
Why Does My Child’s Knee Hurt?
Children and adolescents may experience knee pain for various reasons, including:
- Rapid growth and changes in bone structure
- Overuse from sports or physical activity
- Muscle imbalances or weakness around the knee
- Trauma or injury from falls, collisions, or accidents
- Alignment issues in the hips, legs, or feet
What Are Some Causes of Knee Pain in Children?
Common conditions that can cause knee pain include:
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome (pain around the kneecap)
- Osgood-Schlatter disease (pain at the growth plate below the kneecap)
- Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome (pain at the top of the kneecap)
- Ligament or tendon injuries, including sprains or strains
- Meniscus tears or cartilage injuries
- Growth-related conditions affecting bone or joint alignment
- Rare but serious causes, such as infections or inflammatory conditions
Personalized Pediatric Knee Care
References
Slotkin S, Thome A, Ricketts C, et al. Anterior Knee Pain in Children and Adolescents: Overview and Management. J Knee Surg. 2018;31(5):392-398. doi:10.1055/s-0038-1632376.
MacDonald J, Rodenberg R, Sweeney E. Acute Knee Injuries in Children and Adolescents: A Review. JAMA Pediatr. 2021;175(6):624-630. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.6130.
Yen YM. Assessment and Treatment of Knee Pain in the Child and Adolescent Athlete. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2014;61(6):1155-1173. doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2014.08.003.
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