Gena is a Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist, working Wednesdays and Fridays at Newport Physio and Health.
DOES YOUR CHILD COMPLAIN OF PAIN AT THE FRONT OF THE KNEE OR AROUND THE KNEECAP?
With winter sports about to hit full swing our kids may start to complain of pain around the knee. Two of the most common knee pain conditions we see in this age group are Osgood Schlatter’s and patellofemoral pain. Signs and symptoms of the conditions are in the table below. They often appear quite similar but have some distinct differences on assessment. An accurate diagnosis by a physio helps to determine the prognosis or expectations of the injury and ongoing management.
Osgood Schlatter’s | Patellofemoral pain | |
Pain location | Front of the knee below the patella (kneecap) on the bony prominence of the tibia bone (tibial tuberosity) | Could be vague pain anywhere around the patella (kneecap) |
Swelling | Likely around the tibial tuberosity | Sometimes anywhere around the patella. |
Function | Pain with running and jumping, pain with squatting. Pain after activity. | Pain with running, pain with squatting, going up and down stairs. |
Osgood Schlatter’s occurs during periods of rapid growth as this makes the body more susceptible to load related injury and pain. However, overload of activity or sport -more than what the knee can tolerate – is the predominate cause of these conditions.
It is important to get your child in to see a physio early on. Left untreated the pain can become persistent leading to longer term consequences such as your child quitting sport, decreased activity levels and poor general and mental health.
Often education and activity modification is all you need to improve the pain quickly. Stopping activity altogether (unless very severe) is not the best way to manage it. Your physio will guide your child with a graduated return to sport or activity plan as well as an exercise program to improve the strength and load tolerance of the knee. Taping and manual therapy and other pain-relieving methods can also be used by the physio if needed.
Author: Gena Wallis (Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist)
Gena has a particular interest in knee and adolescent injuries. She is an experienced Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist working Wednesdays and Fridays exclusively at Newport Physio and Health.
You can book to see Gena by clicking here to make an online booking.