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Knee Pain in Young Adults

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Knee Pain in Young Adults

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Knee pain occurs at variable intensities at different ages. Have a read to know more about knee pain and its management.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sneha Kannan

Published At October 27, 2016
Reviewed AtMarch 12, 2024

Introduction:

Knee pain is a problem that can affect the young and the old alike. In the elderly, the knee pain is most likely due to wear and tear, also called osteoarthritis, or due to other chronic problems of the knee.

In the younger, more active age groups, knee pain is more commonly secondary to increased activity, injury, or contact sports. There are numerous underlying causes why an adolescent or a young adult could have knee pain.

What Is the Knee Joint?

To understand the problems of the knee, one has to know about the structures in the knee. The knee joint consists of the joint between the thigh bone (femur) and the leg bone (tibia), in addition to the knee cap. The articulation is covered in all directions by a tense tissue named the capsule. Inside the capsule, in between the bones, there are a few tense soft tissue structures, namely the menisci and the cruciate ligaments.

The major function of the meniscus is to cushion and guide the smooth movement of the joint, while the main function of the cruciate ligaments is to stabilize the joint. There is another set of strong tissues outside the capsule that also helps in the stability of the joint. These are called the collateral ligaments.

What Causes Pain in Front of the Knee?

Adolescents, especially females, tend to have pain in the front of the knee. The pain worsens when climbing up or down the stairs, sitting on the floor, or standing up from this position. This problem commonly occurs due to softening of the cartilage under the kneecap and is usually temporary. The treatment usually consists of anti-inflammatory medicines and a specific group of exercises. This condition almost always improves with exercise.

Can a Person Have Knee Pain After a Twist While Playing?

Most commonly, children or young adults present with pain in the knee following a twist in the knee while playing. The swelling may start immediately after the injury or 12 hours after the injury. This usually signifies an injury to the menisci and/or the cruciate ligament. In addition to painkillers, an x-ray is needed to make sure there is no bone fracture, and then an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan has to be taken to assess which ligament is injured and to study the severity of the injury.

Depending on the severity of the injury, the person either needs physiotherapy or needs to undergo surgery to rectify the injury to the ligament. With the current advances in joint care, such injuries can be managed with state-of-the-art keyhole surgeries (arthroscopy). With such procedures, the patient can get discharged from the hospital the same day or the next day of the surgery.

Are the Knees Pain After a Hit from the Side?

Sometimes, while playing contact sports, the person gets hurt in the knee due to a hit from the side. If they are not able to walk normally after this injury, it means that the collateral ligaments are injured. These ligaments are needed for side-to-side stability. An initial x-ray has to be taken to rule out a fracture. After this, an MRI scan will show the severity of the collateral ligament injury. Only the highest severity of collateral ligament injury needs surgical treatment, while the lesser grades can be managed with braces, and the person has to walk with support for a few days.

How Is Knee Pain Diagnosed at a Young Age?

Knee pain in teens can be diagnosed through a combination of methods, including:

  • Medical History: The healthcare provider will ask about the onset, duration, and severity of the knee pain, as well as any associated symptoms or activities that may exacerbate the pain.

  • Physical Examination: The healthcare provider will examine the knee, checking for swelling, tenderness, range of motion, and signs of injury or abnormalities.

  • Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or ultrasound may be prescribed to assess the structures of the knee joint, such as bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, and to identify any underlying issues like fractures, ligament injuries, or cartilage damage.

  • Blood Tests: In some cases, blood tests may be conducted to rule out systemic conditions that could contribute to knee pain, such as arthritis or infection.

  • Functional Tests: Functional tests may be performed to evaluate the stability, strength, and alignment of the knee joint and surrounding muscles.

What Activities Cause Knee Pain at a Young Age?

Several high-risk activities can contribute to knee pain in teens, including:

  • Contact Sports: Sports like football, rugby, basketball, and soccer involve frequent pivoting, sudden stops, and collisions, which can lead to knee injuries such as ligament tears (like ACL or PCL tears), meniscus tears, or patellar dislocations.

  • Running and Jumping: Activities that involve repetitive impact on the knees, such as long-distance running, jumping sports like volleyball or gymnastics, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), can strain the knee joints and lead to overuse injuries like patellar tendonitis or runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome).

  • High-impact Activities: Activities with high-impact movements, such as downhill skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, or parkour, can increase the risk of traumatic injuries to the knees, including fractures, sprains, or ligament tears.

  • Improper Training Techniques: Poor form or inadequate warm-up and cool-down routines during exercise or sports activities can increase the risk of knee injuries due to biomechanical imbalances, muscle weakness, or fatigue.

  • Overtraining: Excessive training volume or intensity without adequate rest and recovery can lead to overuse injuries, including stress fractures, tendinitis, or cartilage damage in the knees.

How to Prevent Knee Pain at a Young Age?

To alleviate knee pain in teens, it is essential to address the underlying cause. Here are some general tips:

  • Rest: Encourage teens to take a break from activities that exacerbate the pain.

  • Ice: Apply ice packs to the affected knee for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day to reduce inflammation.

  • Compression: Using a knee brace or compression bandage can provide support and stability.

  • Elevation: Elevate the leg when sitting or lying down to reduce swelling.

  • Proper Footwear: Ensure the teen wears supportive shoes suitable for their activities.

  • Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the muscles around the knee can help provide stability and support.

  • Stretching: Incorporate stretching exercises to improve flexibility and reduce tension in the muscles around the knee.

  • Proper Form: Teach the teen proper techniques for sports and physical activities to prevent further strain on the knee.

  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can put added strain on the knees, so encourage a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Conclusion:

Knee pain at a young age can stem from various factors, including overuse, injury, or structural issues. It is crucial to address the pain promptly to prevent long-term complications and maintain overall mobility and quality of life. Seeking medical evaluation and guidance is essential to accurately diagnose the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Implementing preventive measures such as proper warm-up, conditioning, and technique during physical activities can help reduce the risk of knee pain and injury in young individuals. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight, wearing supportive footwear, and incorporating strength and flexibility exercises can promote knee health and mitigate discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

What is the role of a neurosurgeon?

A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases or conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord (central and peripheral nervous system) is called a neurosurgeon. This includes congenital disorders, tumors, injury, and infections of the brain and spine, and stroke.

2.

When to consult a neurosurgeon?

If you are suffering from signs and symptoms, such as partial or complete paralysis, muscle weakness, seizures, loss of sensation, tingling sensation, chronic unexplained pain, etc., you might need to consult a neurosurgeon.

3.

What kind of doctor treats nerve damage?

You should consult a neurologist for nerve damage or nerve problems. After diagnosis the cause and severity of nerve damage, the neurologist will prescribe medicines or refer you to a neurologist for surgery.

4.

What are the common conditions that a neurosurgeon treats?

The common conditions that a neurosurgeon treats are:
- Strokes.
- Brain aneurysms.
- Tumors of the brain or spinal cord.
- Head, spine, or neck injuries.
- Seizures.
- Parkinson’s disease.

5.

How does a neurosurgeon treat sciatica?

If your sciatica is not relieved with the help of pharmacological treatments and other therapies, then you can consult a neurosurgeon. The surgeon will surgically treat the cause of sciatica like disc herniation and nerve impingement.

6.

What is the importance of neurosurgery?

Neurosurgery helps in treating conditions that cannot be treated with the help of medicines, congenital neurological disorders, and other brain and spinal cord diseases that can have severe side effects if left untreated.

7.

Are neurology and neurosurgery the same?

Neurology is a medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders affecting the central and peripheral nervous system, brain, and spinal cord. While neurosurgery is the field that deals with the surgical management of these conditions.

8.

What are the common surgeries that a neurosurgeon performs?

Aneurysm repair, craniotomy, disk removal, laminectomy, and spinal tap are the common surgeries that a neurosurgeon performs.
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Dr. Saseendar. S
Dr. Saseendar. S

Orthopedician and Traumatology

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meniscusknee painarthroscopyligament injuryosteoarthritis
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