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Despite Youth, Teens Experience Knee Pain |
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 Crackling, sore knees are often associated with a sure sign of aging.
But it is not unusual for teenagers - especially those active in sports
- to experience serious knee pain. Aching pain in the front, or
anterior, of the knee is especially common in athletic girls.
Generally there are two categories of injury: chronic and acute.
Chronic knee injuries occur gradually as a result of repetitive motion
such as running, jumping or turning. Acute knee injuries are caused by
immediate trauma like a sudden, hard fall or twist.
Anterior adolescent knee pain is gradual and typically felt behind the patella bone, or kneecap.
"Symptoms of anterior adolescent knee pain can include dull achy pain,
swelling and popping sensations in the knee," said Dr. John Hendrickson
of Valley Orthopedic Associates (VOA) in Renton.
Usually a combination of ice, rest and rehabilitation will help ease anterior adolescent knee pain, Dr. Hendrickson said.
To help prevent recurrences of pain behind the kneecap, VOA and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommend these tips:
"If the pain does not let up and continues to build over time, an
examination by an orthopedic specialist is recommended," Dr.
Hendrickson said.
During the exam, the orthopedic physician may check for:
- Alignment of the lower leg, kneecap and quadriceps muscles
- Inflexibility of the thigh muscles supporting the knee joint
- Knee stability, hip rotation, and range of motion in the knee and hip
- Tenderness under the kneecap
- Hamstring muscle strength
A common acute knee injury is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear.
The ACL is a stabilizing ligament in the knee connecting the thighbone
to the shinbone. An ACL tear is usually associated with an immediate
pop after a sudden fall or twist. The knee swells quickly and gives out
when weight is put on it.
"Unfortunately, a torn ligament does not heal on its own and requires surgical reconstruction," Dr. Hendrickson said.
The surgery is an outpatient procedure, allowing recovery to take place
in the comfort of home. Physical therapy following surgery helps return
the athletic teen to the active lifestyle enjoyed before surgery.
VOA's full medical and surgical services ensure complete care, from
diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation, and thorough follow-up after
treatment.
For more information about adolescent anterior knee pain, click here.
To read more about knee ligament injuries, including ACL tears, click here.
09/06/2005
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VOA Renton Clinic  4011 Talbot Road S
Suite 300
Renton, WA 98055
Phone: 425.656.5060
Fax: 425.656.5047
VOA Covington Clinic  27005 168th Pl SE
Suite 201
Covington, WA 98042
Phone: 253.630.3660
Fax: 253.631.1591 |
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