My child is experiencing knee pain while playing

Monday, March 3, 2008 by admin.

There can be many causes of knee pain in young basketball players, from bruising to ligament damage. However, if the pain starts while playing, and lessens when finished, the most common cause is Osgood Schlatter disease, or growing pains.

When kids begin a rapid growth spurt, there is often pain at the knot between the shin and patellar tendon (below the kneecap). The pain is caused by inflammation in the quadriceps tendon when the bones grow rapidly and the tendons grow at a slower pace. The pain is worsened with running and jumping.

 The only cure is rest and time. If your child has the luxury of taking a couple of weeks off, that would be the best solution. With the AAU and camp circuits in the summer, most players don’t have that luxury. The next best treatment is 15 minutes of warm heat before activity, and 15 minutes of ice afterward. The pain subsides with time, but on a positive note, when it’s all over, your child should be a little taller.

Brandon Broadnax CCS, CPT
Elevation Strength and Conditioning
brandon@elevationperformance.com

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