Knee Pain In Young Athletes: Causes And Self-management

Rita Chauhan
2023-03-21T13:13:12+05:30

Athletes experience knee pain because of many reasons, most commonly because of injuries, overuse and any other medical condition.

Knee pain is a common problem among athletes and sports persons because they put a lot of strain on their knees while engaging in physical activities that involve running, jumping, twisting, and turning. Here are some possible causes, solutions, and ways to use effective hot and cold therapy for knee pain:

Common Causes

Some of the reasons why knee pain affects sports persons most include:

Overuse

Athletes often engage in repetitive motions that put a lot of stress on their knees. This can lead to overuse injuries such as patellar tendonitis or iliotibial band syndrome.

Impact injuries

Athletes are also at risk of suffering from impact injuries, such as ligament sprains, a fall or sports-related injury, meniscus tears, or fractures, as a result of falls, collisions, or sudden stops.

Poor biomechanics

Poor alignment or biomechanics can put excessive pressure on certain parts of the knee joint, leading to injuries. For example, runners with overpronation (inward rolling of the foot) may be at risk of developing patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Inadequate warm-up or stretching

Failure to warm up properly or stretch before engaging in physical activity can increase the risk of knee injuries.

Previous injuries

Athletes who have had knee injuries in the past may be more prone to developing further knee problems.

Other Conditions

Some of the other conditions include - arthritis, including osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis or bursitis, which are inflammation of the tendons or small fluid-filled sacs around the joint and meniscus tear, which is a tear in the rubbery cushion (meniscus) that cushions the knee joint.

Solutions For Knee Pain Management

It is important for athletes to manage knee pain properly in order to prevent further injury and maintain performance with therapeutic relief. Here are some suggestions for managing knee pain as an athlete:

Rest and Recovery

Resting and allowing the knee to heal is often the first step in managing knee pain. This can include taking a break from intense physical activity and focusing on low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling.

Avoid high-impact activities

Consider reducing high-impact activities such as running, jumping, or pivoting that put stress on the knee joint.

Proper Footwear

Wearing proper footwear with adequate support and cushioning can help reduce impact on the knees during physical activity.

Strengthening Exercises

Strengthening exercises for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes can help support the knee joint and reduce pain. You can take help from a physical therapist for a proper exercise regimen.

Anti-inflammatory Medication

Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation. However don’t forget to consult with a doctor before taking any medications.

Knee Braces for Compression and Supports

Wearing a knee compression sleeve or wrap around the knee can help reduce swelling and provide support during physical activity.

Massage Therapy

Regular massage therapy can help loosen tight muscles and reduce pain and inflammation.

Hot and Cold Therapy

Hot and cold therapy also helps to relieve pain and improve strength and range of motion. Cold therapy, such as applying a gel pack to the knee for 20 minutes at a time, can help reduce pain and swelling. Heat therapy, such as using a heating pad can help relax muscles and improve blood flow to the knee joint. Apart from gel pads, you can also try using warm towels or a warm water bottle to apply heat directly to the knee. Always talk to your doctor before trying any new treatment for knee pain. It's also important to note that hot and cold therapy should be used with caution and only use the gel pads of trustworthy brands like Dr Trust. If knee pain persists or is severe, seek medical attention from a doctor or physical therapist for further evaluation and treatment options.

Overall, knee pain is a common problem among sports persons due to the high level of physical activity they engage in, which puts a lot of stress on their knee joints. It is important for athletes to take proper precautions and seek medical attention if they experience any knee pain or discomfort to avoid further injury.