Why Do My Knees Hurt at 15?
Knee pain at age 15 is common and often stems from overuse injuries related to sports activities. Insufficient warm-up and stretching before exercise significantly contribute to this problem. A frequent overuse injury is jumper's knee, also known as Sinding-Larsen-Johannson syndrome.
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Overuse Injuries: This is the most frequent cause, especially in active teenagers participating in sports. Insufficient warm-up and stretching before physical activity significantly increases the risk. Examples include jumper's knee and other repetitive strain injuries.
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Muscle Imbalances: An imbalance between the quadriceps (front thigh muscles) and hamstrings (back thigh muscles) can strain the knee joint, leading to pain. Tightness in these muscle groups also contributes to the problem.
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Growth-Related Conditions: The rapid growth spurts during adolescence can put stress on the knees, resulting in pain. Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common example, characterized by pain and swelling below the kneecap.
Seeking Help:
If your knee pain is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms like swelling, instability, or inability to bear weight, consult a doctor or physical therapist. They can properly diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend appropriate treatment.
Self-Care Measures:
While seeking professional help is important for persistent pain, some self-care measures may provide relief:
- Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
- Ice: Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes every hour during the first day of injury to reduce inflammation.
- Heat: Apply heat (heating pad or warm washcloth) for 15 minutes before sports activities to increase blood flow and improve flexibility (Consult a healthcare professional first).
- Stretching: Gentle stretching exercises can improve flexibility and reduce muscle tightness. However, avoid stretching if it increases your pain.
