What causes knee pain in adolescents?
May 24, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
In general, knee pain in adolescents may be related to growing pains, calcium deficiency, tendonitis, epiphysitis, or rheumatoid arthritis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. In daily life, adolescents should pay attention to keeping their knee joints warm and avoid exposure to cold. Additionally, they should prioritize stretching before exercise to prevent strains.
Generally speaking, the term "knee" refers to the knee joint. Knee pain in adolescents may be related to growth pains, calcium deficiency, tendonitis, apophysitis (osteochondritis), rheumatoid arthritis, and other causes. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Growth Pains
The adolescent stage is one of the fastest periods of human growth and development. The bones grow more rapidly than the surrounding soft tissues, which may lead to physiological pain during development. This type of pain typically does not affect overall health. Pain can be relieved under a doctor's guidance through methods such as applying heat to improve blood circulation around the knee joint.
2. Calcium Deficiency
During rapid physical development, adolescents have high calcium requirements. If the body lacks sufficient calcium, it may lead to osteoporosis and cause knee joint pain. It is recommended that adolescents consume moderate amounts of high-protein, calcium-rich foods such as beef, fish, and milk to supplement the body’s calcium needs.
3. Tendonitis
Tendonitis is an aseptic inflammatory response in tendons or surrounding tissues caused by overuse or other factors. Adolescents are generally very active, and incorrect exercise posture or excessive intensity may result in tendon injury, leading to knee pain, sometimes accompanied by numbness or stiffness. Treatment under medical supervision may include medications such as prednisone acetate tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, or celecoxib capsules.
4. Apophysitis (Osteochondritis)
Apophysitis primarily involves aseptic inflammation due to local congestion and edema in soft tissues near the epiphyseal plate. Excessive fatigue or overexertion in adolescents may trigger localized aseptic inflammation, resulting in knee pain along with swelling and warmth at the site. Under a doctor’s guidance, medications such as prednisone acetate tablets, dexamethasone tablets, or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules may be used for treatment.
5. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized primarily by erosive arthritis. If adolescents live long-term in dark, damp environments, their knee joints may be susceptible to cold exposure, gradually increasing the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. This condition can cause knee pain, often accompanied by redness, swelling, and warmth in the joint. Under medical supervision, medications such as tofacitinib citrate tablets, hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets, or baricitinib tablets may be prescribed for treatment.
In daily life, adolescents should pay attention to keeping their knee joints warm to prevent cold exposure. They should also prioritize stretching before exercise to avoid strains.
