9-Year-Old Girl Takes On McDonald's CEO
Denise Albert: Mamarazzi
Sore Knees? It Could Be 'Growing Pains'
Filed under: Tweens, Teens, Medical Conditions, Development/Milestones: Babies
Dear Reggie, My 13-year-old son Jeffery is extremely active in sports such as basketball, soccer and tennis. Recently, he has been complaining of pain in his knees just under his kneecaps. As soon as he starts to play any sport, his knees hurt and the pain continues even when he is finished. He is able to manage the pain at this point. A friend mentioned that he might be experiencing growing pains, as her son's friend was diagnosed with a knee disease common in adolescents. I want to make sure this does not become a bigger problem and that Jeffrey is not injuring himself. Can you send me your thoughts on my son's situation?
Thank you,
Mrs. Simmons
Hello Mrs. Simmons,
My first suggestion is that you have your son visit his medical doctor to get an official diagnosis. This will allow you to decide a course of action. In general, pain during activity is your body's way of telling you that something is wrong and needs to be attended to. The sooner it is addressed, the better. It may be something as simple as having Jeffrey take a couple of days off to rest...
Common Growing Pains
There is a disease "of the knees" called Osgood-Sclatter Disease. It is common in active kids who experience rapid growth spurts between the ages of 10 and 15. There is a bony protrusion at the top of your shin bone just below the knee cap. In this disease, the tendon that attaches from the kneecap to the shin (patellar tendon) pulls away at the bone and causes inflammation and extra bone growth. In most cases, the bump protrudes out and is painful to touch. Every case is unique. Some kids continue to play while others have to take a break.
Respect the Pain
Many parents chalk up some pain as growing pain and simply assume it will eventually go away on its own. There is some truth to this way of thinking as Osgood-Schlatter Disease tends to subside when the child stops growing. However, if Jeffrey wants to continue playing at a high level, he should respect the pain. What I mean is it is important to treat the symptoms. For example, treat the pain and swelling with ice for 15-20 minutes every three to four hours. Elevate his legs while he sleeps to help reduce the swelling. As Jeffrey participates in high intensity sports that involve a lot of running, jumping and lunging, he may need to periodically rest his knees for a couple of days at a time.
Reggie Reyes is a certified kinesiologist and personal trainer. He is the president and founder of pt4kids, a company that creates specialized training programs for kids all ages and fitness levels. Have a question about your child's health and fitness? Feel free to leave a comment below.
Your<span>Voice</span>
Ask Us Anything About Parenting
Recently Asked
- Why would the defendant file an acknowledgment of service instead of a defence?
- Motion to reopen case 2013 derian d. Hickman v. Internal revenue service superior court dc
- What's the penalty for falsley claiming relation to a person does it have to be for monetary gain or proven not just a social gesture
TheTalkies:RelatedVideos
-
Stem Cell Therapy Takes Arthritis Treatment Into the Future
Patty Simpson had been living with chronic pain most of her adult life. She suffers from severe osteoarthritis, a condition not helped by her active lifestyle. Simpson has undergone surgery on several occasions to repair ligaments and cartilage in both of her knees. But with every surgery, Patty says, the arthritis pain gets more severe.
-
How to Prep for Active Living
Summer days are great for getting outside and enjoying your favourite activities but it can be easy to overdo it. Take care of yourself and prepare for activities to avoid injuries, pain, and inflammation.
how to avoid sport injuries
-
How to Exercise with Joint Pain
Joint pain doesn't mean you have to sit the bench when it comes to physical activity. Try some of these tips to help keep you moving.
-
Just Thinking About Math Is Painful
In PLOS One, an online medical journal, researchers show when a person's math anxiety is high, there's increased activity in the regions of the brain associated with 'visceral threat detection' and pain.
SitesWeLove
- Site Map
- |
- Staff
- |
- Terms of Service
- |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Trademarks
- |
- Advertise With Us
- |
- About Our Ads
- |
- AOL Downloads
- |
- Contact Us
- |
© Copyright 2012 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Aol Family
ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
2-24-2010 @ 5:29PM
Karen said...My 12 year old son has been playing hockey for 7 -8 yrs now, and now that he's older, and playing much harder, he feels nausiated after a game or practice. Is this "normal"?
Reply
6-18-2010 @ 8:36PM
Sally said...Hi
I'm 27 now and I was told that my knee pain at the age of 12 was just growing pains and if sports hurt them to just sit out and rest.well I now have horrid boney knees which still give me pain. I'm a girl by the way so really hate crossing my legs and wearing skirts as they look awful!! I still have to rest my knees and after doing anything remotley energetic I have pain. Get your child to a specialist I wish I had been told more about it when I was young!
Sal.
Reply