Knee Pain in Children: Is It Growing Pains or Something Else?

Knee Pain in Children: Is It Growing Pains or Something Else?

Knee pain is a common complaint in children. It is important to understand whether this pain is due to growing pains or if it signals a more serious problem. This article thoroughly discusses the possible causes of knee pain in children, differential diagnosis methods, and effective treatment options.

Knee pain in children is a common complaint encountered by both families and healthcare professionals. Correctly identifying the underlying cause of the pain is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment strategy. While most often the pain is due to harmless growing pains, it can also indicate infections, trauma, inflammation, or other orthopedic issues involving the knee joint or surrounding structures. This article explores the possible causes of knee pain in children, differential diagnosis criteria, and treatment methods in detail.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

Growing Pains

Many children, especially those in school-age and puberty, describe pain around the knee that is often attributed to growing pains. These pains typically occur at night and subside during daytime activity. The pain is usually felt not in the joint but in areas where the bones are growing. Growing pains usually appear in children aged 3 to 12 years. Although the exact cause is unknown, it is associated with tension in muscles and connective tissues related to bone growth. Growing pains generally resolve on their own; however, severe or persistent pain should be assessed by a specialist.

Trauma and Injuries

Active children may experience sprains, meniscus tears, or anterior cruciate ligament injuries due to falls, impacts, or during sports activities. These injuries generally occur suddenly, presenting with severe pain, swelling, and limited movement. Traumatic knee pain requires thorough evaluation and imaging because early diagnosis and treatment are critical for preserving long-term knee function.

Bursitis, Tendinitis, and Inflammatory Conditions

Inflammation of bursae around the knee (bursitis) or irritation of tendons due to overuse (tendinitis) can cause knee pain in children. These conditions are often related to excessive activity, repetitive motions, or improper sports techniques. The pain usually worsens with movement, accompanied by localized tenderness and sometimes redness.

Orthopedic Disorders

Knee pain in children can sometimes be linked to structures around the joint such as femoroacetabular impingement or gluteus medius tears. Rarely, conditions like osteitis pubis or athletic pubalgia may cause pain in or around the knee. These conditions can present complex clinical pictures and require a thorough orthopedic evaluation.

Growth Plate Problems

Since children’s growth plates (physes) near joints are still open, trauma to these areas can lead to knee pain. Growth plate fractures or metaphyseal injuries can negatively affect bone development over time. Therefore, physical examination and radiological tests are very important.

Diagnostic Approaches

Clinical Evaluation

A detailed history of the onset, duration, severity of the pain, and accompanying symptoms should be obtained. Particularly, red flags include foreign body trauma, fever, night pain, morning stiffness, and limited motion.

Imaging Methods

Techniques such as X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI allow detailed examination of the bone and soft tissues of the knee. MRI is indispensable for detecting cartilage, meniscus, and ligament damage. Laboratory tests may assist in evaluating inflammatory or infectious processes when necessary.

Treatment Approaches

Growing Pains

Typically, rest, gentle massage, and if needed, pain relievers under medical supervision are recommended to alleviate discomfort. Growing pains do not usually affect quality of life significantly, and children can continue their normal activities.

Injuries and Orthopedic Problems

Early application of appropriate physiotherapy programs strengthens muscles and preserves joint range of motion. Severe injuries may require surgical intervention. Arthroscopic surgical techniques offer great advantages in cases such as meniscus tears and anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

Inflammatory Pain

Anti-inflammatory medications, localized rest, and if needed, physical therapy are used for treatment. Activity adjustments are advised for athletic children.

Long-Term Monitoring and Prevention

To protect knee health, children should use appropriate equipment during sports and emphasize warm-up exercises. Early diagnosis and treatment of knee problems reduce pain and prevent permanent joint damage.

Knee pain in children should not be assumed to be growing pains alone; the character of pain and accompanying signs must be carefully evaluated. With correct diagnosis and necessary treatment, children can regain healthy joint function.