Understanding Knee Pain in Children: Causes, Treatment & Recovery

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.

Ages Afflicted

• 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.

Increased Risks from Sports

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.