Sports Injury Info

11-year old son's knee is popping and locking up

by Heather

My son is a very active 11-year old. Right now we are in the middle of football season. His left knee started giving him trouble two days ago. He was jogging and it locked up when he straighted it. Since then it's been hurting a little when he walks and a lot when he runs. The pain is right under his knee cap, in the middle. It seems to be swollen a little.

He has been taking it a little easy, but still practicing. It also pops and cracks when he bends it and has locked several more times. We have given him ibuprofen and applying heat. Is this the best treatment? I made an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon, but it's not for 2 weeks. I figured that if it's feeling better by than I'd just cancel the appointment. Do you have any idea what it is? Could it be torn cartilage, or just growing pains? How do you think we should be treating it until his appointment? Is it going to be troublesome for the rest of his life? Thanks.

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11-year old son's knee is popping and locking up

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Aug 16, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		I would recommend ice
by: Bart - SII

I would recommend ice as the treatment of choice - this is an acute injury, and if there appears to be a small amount of swelling, cold therapy is the best choice to reduce pain and inflammation.

Cartilage tears are uncommon in an athlete his age - it could be but is unlikely. I would lean more towards patella tendon irritation, inflexibility, foot mechanics, or other possible factors.

Rest, ice, making sure he warms up and stretches before practice, and avoiding aggravating activities is a good idea until you get in to see your doctor. This may go away in a few days. Also, he might benefit from arch support and cushion in his shoes, as football cleats are notorious for poor support and cushion.

Has he had a growth spurt recently? This can also contribute to this type of pain.

At 11, he still has a lot of growing and maturing to do, and this will probably not be something he will suffer with all of his life.

Bart

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