Children's Knee Pain
There are many causes of knee pain in children, including diseases, disorders and injuries. Some improve with time, while others require medical or even surgical intervention, so a proper diagnosis is essential. With proper treatment (if necessary), children should be able to return to their usual activities, free of pain.
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Ages Afflicted
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Infants, young children and adolescents can all experience painful knees from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Growing pains can afflict young children and adolescents after particularly active days. Adolescents---especially boys---are more likely to suffer from the rare pediatric bone cancer osteosarcoma. There are other knee diseases and injuries that are more common in adolescents than in adults.
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Increased Risks from Sports
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The Mayo Clinic states that 20 percent of adolescents involved in sports experience a painful knee disease (Osgood Schlatter disease), which they will outgrow. Children and adolescents, especially those with loose ligaments, are also susceptible to sports injuries to their knees.
Medical Diagnosis
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Children and adolescents experiencing knee pain should be seen by a medical professional. Following a physical exam, a doctor may order X-rays and blood work.
Treatment Plan
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Some knee pain eventually dissipates without medical intervention. Treatment for other knee pain, depending upon its cause, might include periods of limited activity; heat or ice applications; anti-inflammatory medications; physical therapy; surgery; and chemotherapy and/or radiation.
Warnings
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If a child's knee is red or swollen, or if the pain is severe or interfering with normal activities, parents should seek medical guidance.
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