Playing sports can keep young athletes active and healthy, but the Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club warns against ignoring knee pain in young athletes. Early recognition and intervention can help young athletes return quickly and safely to the activities that they love, and proper conditioning techniques may decrease the incidence of knee pain.
Types
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, pain in the front of the knee is quite common and may not indicate knee damage. This type of pain is more common in females than in males. It is often described as being directly behind the kneecap.
Pain at the top of the shin where the tibial bump is located, may indicate Osgood-Schlatter Disease. This is more common in young males who are develop stronger muscles than bone as they grow, creating irritation at the insertion of the tendon.
The Ohio Orthopedic Center indicates that patellar tendonitis, which is an overuse injury that creates inflammation of the quadricep tendon, is also often seen in young athletes.
Another condition is called patellar femoral disorder, and is an irritation on the lateral or outside of the kneecap due to improper tracking.
Causes
The Children's Hospital of Denver states that the most common causes of knee pain are due to muscle imbalance and flexibility issues. Overuse and using improper form can also be responsible for knee pain in young athletes who train for the same sport year-round.
Treatment
Ice and compression such as a knee sleeve are effective in alleviating inflammation. Stretching and strengthening exercises, as well as other rehabilitative measures, can also help. A home exercise program may be enough, but if the problem persists, a young athlete may need formal physical therapy.
Considerations
Determine the specific cause of the knee pain to increase your success in eliminating it. Supportive footwear can be beneficial in contributing to proper biomechanics, thereby decreasing stress to your knees. If you experience persistent knee pain, seek medical attention.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Adolescent Anterior Knee Pain
- Ohio Orthopedic Center: Anterior Knee Pain In Young Athletes
- The Children's Hospital Colorado: Adolescent Knee Pain
- Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club: Understanding Common Knee Pain in Young Athletes
- Amerixan Academy of Orhopaedic Surgeons: Osgood-Schlatter Disease (Knee Pain)
