Knee pain in teenagers is not always something that will simply go away on its own. Sometimes, knee pain can be a sign of an underlying condition — a sports-related injury or even a medical condition. If left undiagnosed or untreated, knee pain can negatively affect a teenager’s daily life.
 

Common Causes of Knee Pain in Teenagers

• Sports injuries or overuse The most common causes of knee pain in teenagers are repetitive stress and sports-related injuries. These can lead to ligament or tendon injuries such as:
  • Patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee)
  • Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) or anterior knee pain (Runner’s Knee)
  • Sprains and ligament tears
  • Bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sac around the joint)

• Growth-related conditions Rapid growth during adolescence may lead to conditions such as Osgood-Schlatter disease, which causes pain and swelling at the tibial tubercle (the area just below the kneecap)

• Muscle imbalance Weak quadriceps muscles may cause abnormal movement of the kneecap (patella). In some cases, it is accompanied by knee hyperextension, a condition often seen in girls.

• Other knee-related diseases
  • Juvenile arthritis
  • Osteochondritis dissecans (bone death due to lack of blood supply)
  • Bone tumors
  • Fractures

• Infections
  • Septic arthritis (joint infection)
  • Osteomyelitis (bone infection)

Signs of Knee Pain in Teenagers That Should Not Be Ignored

While many cases of knee pain can be managed with simple home care, a doctor’s visit is recommended if the following occurs:

• Severe pain or pain that does not improve after 2 weeks of self-care
• Inability to bend or straighten the knee, or difficulty walking or bearing weight
• Knee instability or a feeling that the knee may give out
• Signs of infection, such as fever, swelling, redness, warmth around the knee, or severe pain at night
• Changes in skin color of the leg or foot
• Visible knee deformity

 

Self-Care for Knee Pain

• Rest: Temporarily stop exercising or avoid activities that trigger knee pain.
• Cold therapy: Ice to reduce inflammation and swelling should be applied, no more than 20 minutes per session.
• Knee support: A suitable knee brace or compression bandage should be used to stabilize the knee and reduce unnecessary movement.
• Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain and swelling.
• Activity modification: Perform low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling instead of high-impact exercises during recovery.

 

Preventing Knee Pain and Strengthening the Knee

• Proper warm-up and cool-down: Warming up and cooling down before and after exercise or sports will help reduce injury risk.
• Strength training: Strengthening the quadriceps and hamstrings will help stabilize the knee joint. Stretching the thigh and calf muscles improves flexibility and reduces pain.
• Appropriate footwear and protective gear: Shoes with good shock absorption and proper sports gear should be worn.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Body weight within a healthy range helps reduce stress on the knees and lowers the risk of knee pain and osteoarthritis.

 

Comprehensive Knee Care at Bumrungrad

Managing knee pain in teenagers requires proper diagnosis and care. At Bumrungrad International Hospital, our team of orthopedic specialists and multidisciplinary experts understands the unique physiology and needs of teenagers. We provide personalized treatment plans to ensure the best possible care, helping young patients recover quickly and confidently return to the activities they love.

Reviewed by : Dr. Pakpoom Somrak