Adolescent Anterior Knee Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Sports or activities involving running and jumping are often culprits for teen knee pain. Engaging in multiple teams or sports increases the likelihood of knee pain occurrence.

Conditions that can impact both knees simultaneously in your teenager are:

• Anterior knee pain (one knee might experience greater effects).
• Osgood-Schlatter disease.

Anterior knee pain:

• Gradual onset, which worsens with activity.
• Dull, aching pain behind or around the kneecap.
• Pain intensifies with knee bending (running, jumping).
• Weakness in thigh muscles (quads).
• Late symptoms: Knee buckling, giving way.

Trauma (hit) to the knee:

• Audible popping, and clicking during knee movement.
• Knee locks or buckles unexpectedly.

Osgood-Schlatter disease:

• Pain on bony prominence below the knee.
• Pain worsens during or after activity.
• Reduced range of motion.
• Walking and balance difficulties.

Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome:

• Pain, tenderness, and swelling at the kneecap base.
• Balance and gait issues
• Stiffness.

Juvenile arthritis:

• Morning limping and difficulty putting weight on the leg.
• Redness, swelling, warmth, and stiffness in affected joints
• Symptoms are intermittent.

Osteochondritis dissecans:

• A dull ache, swelling, and stiffness at the knee.
• Clicking in the joint.
• Weakness and balance issues

• History: Identifying the cause and triggers of pain, its duration, location, and impact on sleep.
• Physical Exam: Evaluating kneecap stability, leg alignment, hip/knee range of motion, and muscle strength/flexibility.
• Imaging: Ordering X-rays to assess bones or CT/MRI scans for soft tissues (ligaments, tendons).

• Applying ice to reduce inflammation and swelling.
• Taking anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen.
• Resting and avoiding the activity that caused pain.
• Using compression and elevation to control swelling.
• Following a physical therapy plan for pain relief and improved mobility.
• Considering weight loss if overweight to ease the strain on the knee joint.

Specific treatments for different conditions:

• Osgood-Schlatter disease: Anti-inflammatories, ice, exercise program, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy.
• Sindling-Larsen Johansson syndrome: Anti-inflammatories, ice, stretching and strengthening, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, manipulation, massage.
• Juvenile arthritis: Exercise program, splints/braces/orthotics, hydrotherapy, rheumatologist consultation.
• Osteochondritis dissecans: Cryotherapy, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, exercise, soft tissue treatments.
• Ligament issues: Physical therapy for technique, hip/thigh strengthening, surgery if necessary.

• Ensure suitable footwear and, where relevant, knee pads and leg guards are worn for the activity or sport. Regularly replace worn-out gear.
• Participate in muscle-strengthening exercises, ensuring correct form and alignment with guidance from a trainer. Prioritize warm-up and cool-down routines before and after workouts.
• Maintain muscle flexibility through proper stretching or yoga routines.
• Avoid engaging in activities that provoke or exacerbate knee pain.

Arrange a consultation with a healthcare provider if:

• Your teenager has been experiencing pain for over two weeks, or if there’s an escalation in pain.
• The knee appears red, swollen, or emits warmth to the touch.
• Your teen is unable to put weight on their leg, resulting in a limp.
• The knee becomes immobile or feels “locked.”
• Your teen describes sensations of the kneecap shifting or the knee appearing twisted.
• Activity triggers knee pain in your teen, during or after.
• Audible painful popping or clicking emanates from the knee.
• Your teen’s knee lacks strength or the ability for complete range of motion.
• Pain disrupts your teen’s sleep at night.