Knee pain is a prevalent complaint among young individuals and can significantly affect their daily activities and quality of life. Several factors contribute to knee pain in this age group, ranging from sports injuries to overuse conditions. Understanding the common causes of knee pain is crucial for effective diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Sports Injuries
Sports-related activities expose young people to a higher risk of knee injuries. Ligament sprains, such as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, are common in sports that involve sudden stops, pivoting, or changes in direction, such as soccer or basketball. Meniscal tears, which affect the cartilage in the knee joint, can also occur due to twisting motions or direct impact. These injuries often result from trauma during sports participation.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), also known as “runner’s knee,” is a prevalent cause of knee pain among young individuals, especially athletes. PFPS is characterised by pain around or behind the kneecap, worsened by activities that involve knee flexion, such as running, squatting, or climbing stairs. Muscle imbalances, weak hip or thigh muscles, overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot), and abnormal patellar tracking are contributing factors to PFPS.
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) is a condition in which a small piece of cartilage and underlying bone detach from the end of a bone within a joint, commonly seen in the knee. OCD can cause pain, swelling, and restricted movement. Young athletes who engage in repetitive impact or twisting motions, such as gymnastics or football, may be susceptible to this condition. Trauma, inadequate blood supply to the bone, and genetic factors can also contribute to OCD.
Overuse Injuries
Overuse injuries occur when repetitive stress is applied to the knee joint without adequate rest and recovery. Young athletes who participate in intense training or specialise in a single sport may be prone to overuse injuries, including patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee) and iliotibial band syndrome. These conditions cause pain and inflammation around the knee joint and can significantly impact sports performance. Proper training techniques, gradual progression, and sufficient rest periods are crucial in preventing overuse injuries.
Knee Bursitis
Knee bursitis involves inflammation of the bursae, fluid-filled sacs that cushion and reduce friction between tissues around the knee joint. Excessive kneeling, direct trauma, or prolonged pressure on the knee can lead to bursitis. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and warmth over the affected area. Young individuals involved in activities like gardening, carpentry, or sports that require frequent knee-to-ground contact, such as wrestling or volleyball, are at higher risk.
Knee pain in young people can stem from various causes, including sports injuries, overuse conditions, and specific syndromes. Proper diagnosis, early intervention, and appropriate management strategies are essential to prevent long-term complications and allow young individuals to maintain an active lifestyle. Additionally, emphasizing injury prevention measures and promoting balanced training regimens can help reduce the incidence of knee pain in this population.