What causes knee pain in minors?

Minors refer to adolescents. In general, knee pain in adolescents may be related to excessive physical activity, growth pains, calcium deficiency, ganglion cysts, Osgood-Schlatter disease (tibial tubercle apophysitis), and other causes. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Excessive Activity: Children during adolescence often enjoy playing vigorously, running, jumping, and participating in sports. If the amount of exercise exceeds their body's capacity, pain may develop around the knees. Parents can help relieve the child's discomfort with heat therapy or gentle massage. When massaging, apply moderate pressure—excessive force may cause secondary injury. It is important to avoid over-exercising regularly, as this could lead to physical harm.

2. Growth Pains: Adolescents are in a critical stage of physical development and often experience growth spurts. During these periods, the body’s demand for calcium and other trace elements may outpace supply, leading to temporary deficiencies. This imbalance can result in knee pain. Under medical guidance, parents may appropriately supplement the child's intake of calcium and trace elements. Additionally, incorporating calcium-rich foods into daily meals—such as milk, eggs, lean meat, and shrimp—can be beneficial.

3. Calcium Deficiency: Adolescents are in a period of rapid growth and development and have a high demand for calcium. Insufficient calcium intake may lead to osteoporosis or weakened bones, contributing to knee pain. Under a doctor’s supervision, adolescents may take medications such as calcium carbonate granules, calcium gluconate oral solution, or vitamin D drops to address the deficiency.

4. Ganglion Cyst: Inflammation of the tendon sheath may result from injuries, overuse, or underlying autoimmune conditions. Prolonged inflammation may lead to the formation of a ganglion cyst, which can manifest as a swelling near the knee joint. Therefore, knee pain in adolescents may be associated with a ganglion cyst. Treatment under medical guidance may include medications such as prednisolone tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, or acetaminophen tablets.

5. Tibial Tubercle Apophysitis (Osgood-Schlatter Disease): This condition is typically caused by repetitive stress on the tibial tubercle growth plate due to pulling from the patellar tendon. It is commonly associated with rapid growth, intense physical activity, or trauma. Symptoms include local swelling, tenderness, redness, and warmth. Thus, knee pain in adolescents may be due to tibial tubercle apophysitis. Under medical advice, treatments such as heat therapy and massage may help reduce swelling. If necessary, medications like amoxicillin tablets, roxithromycin tablets, or aspirin tablets may be used as directed by a physician.

It is recommended that individuals seek timely medical attention when experiencing discomfort and receive standardized treatment under professional medical guidance to promote recovery.