Knee pain in teenagers is a common complaint, particularly among physically active teens and those engaged in sports. It is also known as adolescent anterior knee pain and is characterized by pain in the center of the knee, beneath the patella (knee cap). Athletic teenagers are more likely to develop anterior knee pain than others.

Overuse of muscles or a training schedule without sufficient muscle strengthening or stretching exercises may also cause knee pain in teens. Otherwise, knee joint abnormalities or diseases are rare in teenagers.

Read on to know the causes, complications, treatment, and prevention of knee pain in teens.

The location of the pain may vary depending on the underlying cause. Some children may have anterior knee pain, while others may have posterior knee pain. The following signs and symptoms can be associated with knee pain in most teens (1).

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Severe knee pain and other symptoms require pediatric consultation. Doctors may help to identify the cause of pain and treat it.

Anterior knee pain due to overuse and sports are common among teens. They may also commonly experience growing pains in the knee. It is difficult to rate the exact incidence of knee pain since the definition of knee pain may vary in each cause.

There is no specific duration for knee pain in teens. It may vary depending on the severity and type of underlying conditions. Knee pain due to overuse may relieve immediately with rest. Knee pain due to knee injuries, such as ligament tear, may even continue after treatment until the injury heals.

Growing pains in the knee are experienced during growth spurts in teenagers. This type of pain may resolve once the growth is completed.

The common causes of knee pain in teenagers may include the following conditions (2).

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Although teens may have growth spurts, knee pain in teens is not always growing pains. Sometimes, this may be over-labeled as a growing pain, and the underlying reasons may stay unresolved.

The following factors may increase the risk for knee pain in teens (3).

Knee pain due to growth or overuse may not cause severe complications in most teens. Knee injuries have an increased risk of recurrence, and the pain may worsen if left unmanaged. Medical conditions, such as osteoarthritis in obese teens, may cause increased pain.

If left untreated, teens with musculoskeletal disorders may also have an increased risk for worsening knee pain over time.

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All cases of knee pain cannot be prevented. The following tips may help to reduce the risk of knee pain in some teens (4).

Limiting high-impact activities may reduce pain in some children. Seek medical care in case of chronic knee pain since early interventions may prevent the worsening of underlying causes.

It is not ideal to use pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, to mask the pain and participate in sports. This may worsen the injuries and pain over time. Seek medical care in the following circumstances (5).

Never force your teen to participate in sports with knee pain. All cases of knee pain are not related to growth. An orthopedic doctor should evaluate the teen to identify the exact cause. 

Doctors may examine the knee movement and local signs of inflammation during physical examination. The following imaging tests are often ordered to identify the cause (3).

Blood tests, X-rays, and physical examination of knee flexibility, range of motion, and strength may often confirm the diagnosis. Other tests are usually ordered if these examinations are not enough for diagnosis. 

The following self-care measures may help to reduce knee pain in some teens (3).

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Treatment options may vary depending on the underlying cause of knee pain. The following treatments are usually prescribed for teens (3).

Some conditions may require direct injection of medication or other substances to the knee joint. Arthroscopic surgeries are often recommended for knee injuries.

1. Can dehydration cause knee pain in teens?

Experts suggest that dehydration may impact the lubrication of joints, which might cause frequent muscle cramps or joint pains (5).

2. Can lack of calcium cause knee pain in teens?

There is not much scientific evidence to prove this statement. However, a study conducted on more than 2500 adults (aged above 40) demonstrated that low serum calcium levels might be linked to radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA) (6).

Knee pain in teenagers may occur due to overuse, excessive pressure on the knee cap, tendon inflammation, growth pains, or injuries during sports. Obesity and insufficient muscle strength may increase the risk of knee injury and pain. While some pains may go away with rest, others may require physical therapy, medications, or external support. Consult a doctor if the pain persists beyond two weeks or the pain makes you limp. Further, following a warm-up routine and stretching before strenuous activities can go a long way in preventing injuries. Teens can continue participating in sports once the underlying issue resolves and acute pain subsides.

Suitable physical activities, such as exercises, can help manage knee pain, potentially leading to less pain in the long run. A well-structured physical rehabilitation program can also help you regain strength and flexibility in the knees. Save this infographic where we enlist safe knee exercises along with detailed steps. Save

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