Why do my Knees Hurt as a Teenager?
As male and female bodies hit the period of adolescence, the issue of growing pains emerges. One of the most common concerns for teenagers is feeling pain in their knees. There are a variety of causes of this pain that are related to growth spurts and other changes.
Why Knees May Hurt During a Growth Spurt
- Softening Cartilage: During growth spurts, cartilage throughout the body begins to soften, which can cause pain. In the knees, this softening causes ligaments and muscles to stretch to accommodate the large growths. As a result, an individual may experience pain.
- Patellar Tendonitis: The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the shinbone. During a growth spurt, the tendon may become irritated. This can lead to pain and discomfort, especially when running.
- Muscle Weakness: During a growth in height, teenagers may not have the same muscle control that they had before. This can lead to a greater likelihood of injuring the knees, which can result in pain.
Ways to Reduce Knee Pain
- Rest: Resting the knees during a growth spurt is one of the best ways to reduce pain. Taking a few days off can allow cartilage to adjust and loosen without the strain of physical activity.
- Ice: In most cases, icing the knees several times a day can reduce inflammation and swelling. It is particularly important to do this if the pain increases after physical activity.
- Exercise: Exercise is an important part of any teenager’s lifestyle, but it is particularly advantageous during a growth spurt. Strengthening the muscles around the knees can help to manage existing pain and future sensitivity.
Knee pain is a common complaint during puberty, but there are steps that can be taken to reduce pain and sensitivity. It is important for teenagers to talk to their healthcare provider about any knee pain so an appropriate and individualized treatment plan can be created.
What kind of activities can cause knee pain in a teenager?
1. Running: Without proper stretching and warm-up, running can lead to inflammation in the knee that can cause pain.
2. Overuse: Playing heavy sports such as football or basketball without proper rest and training can cause wear and tear on the knee joint and lead to pain.
3. ACL Injury: Young athletes are at an increased risk for an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury, which can cause swelling and pain in the knee.
4. Poor Posture: Poor posture can cause imbalances in the joints and muscles, leading to knee pain over time.
5. Lack of Strengthening Exercises: Weak muscles can cause excess strain on the knee joint, resulting in pain.
How can a teenager reduce knee pain from activities?
1. Warm up before any activity by doing some light stretches, such as ankle circles or a high knee march.
2. Choose low-impact activities, such as swimming and cycling, rather than running or playing sports that involve a lot of jumping.
3. Wear supportive shoes with adequate cushioning when participating in high-impact activities.
4. Exercise regularly to strengthen the muscles in the knee area.
5. Take breaks and give the knees a rest when they start to feel uncomfortable or weak.
6. Avoid putting too much pressure on the knees by not carrying too much weight.
7. Follow your doctor’s advice and take any prescribed medication regularly.
8. Elevate the knees when sitting or sleeping.