Knee pain in children can arise from a variety of causes, ranging from temporary conditions to more serious health issues. It’s important to consider the child’s age, activity level, and other symptoms to identify the root cause. Common causes of knee pain in children include:
- Overuse and Injury: Children who are actively involved in sports or physical activities might experience knee pain due to overuse or direct injury. Strains, sprains, and tears in muscles, ligaments, or tendons are common.
- Osgood-Schlatter Disease: This condition is caused by inflammation of the tendon below the kneecap. It’s common in children who are going through growth spurts during puberty and participate in sports that involve running, jumping, or quick changes of direction.
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee): This is caused by the misalignment or instability of the kneecap. It’s often seen in adolescents, particularly girls, and is characterized by pain in the front of the knee.
- Growing Pains: Although the exact cause of growing pains is unknown, they are a common source of leg pain in children, particularly in the knees.
- Ligament Injuries: Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other ligaments in the knee are less common in young children but can occur, especially in those involved in certain sports.
- Fractures: Accidental falls or trauma can lead to fractures around the knee joint, causing severe pain and immobility.
- Infections: In rare cases, an infection in the knee joint (septic arthritis) or nearby bone (osteomyelitis) can cause severe knee pain and should be treated as a medical emergency.
- Tumors: While rare, benign or malignant tumors can cause knee pain in children.
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): JIA is a type of arthritis that affects children. It can cause joint inflammation, pain, swelling, and stiffness, including in the knees.
- Referred Pain: Conditions like Legg-Calve-Perthes (Perthe’s) disease or Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis (SUFE) can indirectly cause knee pain.
In evaluating knee pain in children, a thorough medical history and physical examination are essential. Imaging studies like X-rays or MRIs may be needed in some cases. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and can range from rest and physiotherapy to medication or surgery in more severe cases.