Growth Spurts and Knee Pain in Young Athletes: What Parents Should Know
Knee pain during a growth spurt is common, but it’s not something to brush off. The growth plate, the softer part of the bone where growth happens, is more vulnerable during rapid development.
For active kids, this can mean discomfort, reduced performance, or even injury.
Why Do Growth Spurts Cause Knee Pain?
When kids grow quickly, their bones, muscles, and tendons don’t always lengthen at the same rate. The growth plate, located near the ends of the bones, is softer and more flexible than mature bone. This makes it more prone to irritation and inflammation, especially in high-impact sports like soccer, basketball, or track.
This pain is sometimes referred to as “growing pains,” but in athletes, it can be linked to conditions like Osgood-Schlatter disease or Sever’s disease that specifically involve stress on the growth plate.
What Signs Should I Look For?
Kids often avoid admitting pain because they don’t want to miss a game or practice. That’s why it’s important to watch for nonverbal clues:
- Limping or walking on their toes
- Rubbing or holding the knee frequently during activity
- Changes in running or throwing mechanics
- Slower performance, decreased endurance, or favoring one leg
In throwing athletes, discomfort can even cause subtle form changes that lead to other injuries if not addressed.
When Should I Get It Checked Out?
Any consistent or worsening knee pain deserves a closer look. While overuse is a common culprit, sudden pain after a fall, twist, or awkward landing could signal an acute injury, such as a fracture or ligament tear, that needs immediate attention.
If pain is keeping your child from their normal activities, interrupts sleep, or lingers more than a few days, schedule an evaluation with an orthopaedic specialist.
How Can It Be Prevented?
While growth-related pain can’t be completely avoided, there are ways to reduce the strain on young athletes:
- Encourage cross-training instead of a year-round focus on one sport
- Make sure they warm up before practices and games
- Promote flexibility through stretching routines
- Ensure they have supportive, well-fitting shoes
- Remind them to speak up about pain early
Key Takeaways
- Growth plate pain is common during rapid growth, especially in the knee.
- Watch for movement changes — kids may hide discomfort.
- Pain that limits activity, affects performance, or follows an injury should be checked by a doctor.
- Preventive measures can help reduce the risk of more serious injury.
Don’t let growth-related knee pain sideline your young athlete.
Request an appointment with our sports medicine team at Orlando Orthopaedic Center.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is knee pain during a growth spurt always normal? Not always. While many cases are part of normal growth, some may be early signs of injury or overuse that require treatment.
- What’s the growth plate? It’s the developing area of bone near the ends of long bones. It’s softer and more vulnerable than fully developed bone, making it a common source of pain in growing kids.
- Can my child keep playing sports if they have growth plate pain? Only with a doctor’s approval. Sometimes rest or modified activity is needed to avoid worsening the issue.
- Does growth plate pain cause long-term damage? Usually not, if managed properly. However, ignoring persistent symptoms can increase the risk of more serious injury.
