Symptoms
Generally, symptoms begin as a dull ache around and/or behind the kneecap in otherwise healthy, active adolescents (girls more commonly than boys). Patients sometimes hear cracking or popping in their knees, especially when they ascend or descend stairs, jump, or squat. Pain may increase with the continuation of certain activities.
Suppose a patient has swelling, a rash, warmth, severe pain, or redness in or around the knee. In that case, this is much more worrisome and needs urgent and possibly emergent evaluation by a pediatric orthopedist. Pediatric orthopedists diagnose the causes of knee pain and provide appropriate treatment regimens to help patients get better.
The pediatric orthopedist will want specific questions answered about the patient, including the duration and quality of the pain and what aggravates and alleviates it. A complete history, physical examination, and x-ray evaluation will be performed.
Causes
The knee joint handles a lot of stress. Due to the knee’s complex anatomy, it is sensitive to many torsional (twisting) and tractional (pulling) forces which may occur from joint malalignment, overuse from excessive training, and/or muscle imbalances.
Treatment
Usually, adolescent knee pain is treated with rest from the offending activities, ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Motrin or Advil), and physical therapy to stretch, strengthen, and stabilize the muscles of the lower extremities.
Avoiding Anterior Knee Pain
- Wear proper and securely fitted shoes designed for a specific activity.
- Engage in a good warm-up regimen that includes stretching prior to physical activity.
- Avoid prolonged squatting or kneeling.
- Decrease the duration and intensity of - or entirely avoid - activities that cause knee pain.
Precision Pain Care and Rehabilitation has two convenient locations in Richmond Hill – Queens, and New Hyde Park – Long Island. Call the Queens office at (718) 215-1888 or (516) 419-4480 for the Long Island office to arrange an appointment with our Interventional Pain Management Specialist, Dr. Jeffrey Chacko.
