What Are The Causes Of Knee Pain In Teenagers
Common knee pain problems in your teenager can be generally divided into three types:
- Anterior knee pain, also called patellofemoral pain.
- Injures to ligaments and tendons of the knee or to the kneecap itself.
- Medical conditions that affect the knee.
Anterior knee pain happens when your teens kneecap is pulled out of its groove from increased pressure. Increased pressure on the knee joint is caused by:
- Abnormal hip rotation due to imbalances in muscle strength and flexibility around the hips.
- Improper training methods or equipment.
- Poor flexibility of the thigh muscles, which support the knee joint. Thigh muscle weakness or tightness.
- Overuse of the knee from repetitive bending of the knee during running, jumping, and other activities.
- Problems with alignment, for example, the kneecap not being properly aligned within the knee or having flat feet, which changes the normal gait.
Knee pain resulting from sprains, strains and tears to ligaments and tendons or injuries to other soft tissues. These conditions include:
Medical conditions that can affect your teens knee include:
Muscle Spasms Due To Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis affects many people as they age . In addition to pain, stiffness, and tenderness in the joints, osteoarthritis can also cause muscle spasms. In this article, we are going to talk about muscle spasms as they relate to osteoarthritis how to determine if spasms are caused by OA and some treatment options.
Often Night Cramps Of Calves: Causes And Remedies
September 29, 2021
A sharp burning pain in the calf muscles is familiar to almost everyone. The painful sensations can be strong or weak, but they usually last only a few seconds.
As a rule, nocturnal cramps affect only the calf muscles. In some cases, fingers, foot, thigh can be brought together.
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Magnesium And Night Cramps Of Calves
Magnesium is a unique mineral, it takes part in hundreds of biochemical processes in the body .
Magnesium deficiency can be accompanied by the development of arrhythmias, palpitations, increased blood pressure, since the heart is, in fact, a muscle, the work of which depends on regulated tension and relaxation, as well as on normal electrolyte concentration.
Also, symptoms of magnesium deficiency include minor twitching of the muscles in the eyes and corners of the mouth.
According to a recent study, magnesium supplementation may be beneficial in patients with restless legs syndrome.
In women, magnesium deficiency can lead to an increased pain during menstruation, as well as causing premature contractions during pregnancy.
How Is Knee Pain In Teens Diagnosed
Your healthcare provider will ask about your teens knee pain:
- Is there a known cause for the knee pain does it happen with certain movements or is there no specific known event?
- How long has the pain been present?
- Where on or around your knee do you feel pain?
- Does the pain wake you up at night?
Your provider will perform a physical exam, checking:
- Kneecap and knee stability.
- Alignment of lower leg, kneecap and thigh.
- Range of motion of hips and knees.
- Thigh muscle strength, flexibility, firmness.
Your provider may order imaging tests including X-rays or a CT scan or MRI .
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Joi Offers Conservative Physical Therapy Approaches For Treating Pain From The Hip To The Knee
It is not uncommon for people of various age groups to have knee and hip pain. There are several different ways to treat pain in the knee or the hip in physical therapy. Range-of-motion and strength training are also typically used as ways to treat those who are having painful knee symptoms. Our therapists work closely with our physicians and primary care physicians to determine the cause of your hip and knee pain. Our goal is make sure that we manage your pain and get you back to the activities that you love.
The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute will continue to monitor the latest developments of coronavirus disease , we are committed to protecting the health and safety of our patients, families, and caregivers. To read more about our safety measures go to JOI4U. If you would like to request registration paperwork electronically click HERE.
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment at JOI Rehab for physical therapy, call
If you want to learn more about knee pain, go to
If you need to see a Knee or Hip Orthopaedic Specialist, please call 904- or follow the link below. JOI is now offering Telehealth and ASAP Injury Appointments!
When Should I See My Healthcare Provider About My Muscle Spasms
See your healthcare provider if the spasms are unbearably painful, happen frequently or last for a long time. Also, talk to your healthcare provider right away if you have the following symptoms in addition:
- Significant pain.
- Swelling or numbness in the leg.
- Changes in the skin of your leg.
- Waking up over and over again with leg cramps.
- If your leg cramps are stopping you from getting enough sleep.
- If you have fluid abnormalities or electrolyte imbalances that youre aware of.
See your healthcare provider immediately if youre concerned that your muscle spasms are a symptom of an underlying serious medical condition.
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How Can You Stop A Muscle Cramp When It Happens
You may need to try several different ways to stop a muscle cramp before you find what works best for you. Here are some things you can try:
- Stretch and massage the muscle.
- Take a warm shower or bath to relax the muscle. A heating pad placed on the muscle can also help.
- Try using an ice or cold pack. Always keep a cloth between your skin and the ice pack.
- Take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen , ibuprofen , or naproxen . Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- If your doctor prescribes medicines for muscle cramps, take them exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you have any problems with your medicine.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Sports drinks, such as Gatorade, will often help leg cramps.
Here are some things you can try for a leg cramp:
- Walk around, or jiggle your leg.
- Stretch your calf muscles. You can do this stretch while you sit or stand:
- While sitting, straighten your leg and flex your foot up toward your knee. It may help to place a rolled towel under the ball of your foot and, while holding the towel at both ends, gently pull the towel toward you while keeping your knee straight.
- While standing about 0.5 m from a wall, lean forward against the wall. Keep the knee of the affected leg straight and the heel on the ground. Do this while you bend the knee of the other leg. See a picture of how to do this calf stretch.
If you think a medicine is causing muscle cramps:
Calf Cramps In Pregnancy
Calf cramps are a common problem during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters. The exact cause is unknown but is thought to be due to
- Additional Weight: which places extra strain on your muscles
- Changes in Circulation: Your growing uterus puts more pressure on blood vessels affecting the circulation in your legs
- Altered Levels of Nutrients & Salts: the baby takes what it needs from your bloodstream which can leave you slightly short of what you need. Low magnesium levels are thought to be associated with increased risk of calf cramps in pregnancy
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When To Talk To Your Doctor
If you are experiencing cramping in your feet and calves frequently during the night that does not go away with changes in lifestyle or diet, consult your doctor. In many cases, the cause of nocturnal leg cramps is unknown. Some leg cramps could indicate a more serious underlying disease, however, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Narrowing of the spinal canal
- Nerve damage in legs
- Circulation disorders
Discussing your symptoms and concerns with your doctor can help you determine the best course of treatment.
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A Revision Of A Revision
It was at that point Jesse became a Mayo Clinic patient, as well as a staff member. “Initially, I had cortisone shots in my hips and knee, but those didn’t help either,” Jesse says. “I then went through multiple CT scans, MRIs all those things and was ultimately referred to Dr. Krych.”
The results of Jesse’s imaging revealed a unique cause for his hip pain. “He had impingement in both hips with labral tears. That happened because he’d formed extra bone from being an athlete growing up. That extra bone led to impingement, which then led to secondary damage to his labrum,” Dr. Krych says. “He had a challenging case because the impinging bone was in a location of his hip that was difficult to access. The bottom line of why his previous surgeries were not successful is that if you don’t eliminate all the locations of impinging bone, then symptoms in the hip will continue.”
Fortunatelyfor Jesse, after studying the imaging, Dr. Krych and his team were confidentthey could access the impinging bone that remained and remove it all. “Wewent ahead with repeat revision surgery for him, and we did that in a stagedfashion,” Dr. Krych says. “We performed surgery on his left hip firstand then his right hip.”
“After surgery, it was a night-and-day difference. I had no clicking or popping in my hips, and no more catching, which is what had caused me pain.”
Jesse Stewart
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Alcohol And The Liver
With the exception of the brain, the liver is the most complex organ in the body. Its functions include:
- filtering toxins from the blood
- aiding digestion of food
- regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels
- helping fight infection and disease
The liver is very resilient and capable of regenerating itself. Each time your liver filters alcohol, some of the liver cells die.
The liver can develop new cells, but prolonged alcohol misuse over many years can reduce its ability to regenerate. This can result in serious and permanent damage to your liver.
ARLD is very common in the UK the number of people with the condition has been increasing over the last few decades as a result of increasing levels of alcohol misuse.
Read more about the causes of ARLD.
Can Knee Pain In Teens Be Prevented
Most knee pain that is caused by injury or overuse can be prevented with some attention and work by your teen, including:
- Make sure your teen wears proper shoes for the activity/sport and wears knee pads and leg guards . Replace worn out footwear and gear.
- Engage in muscle strength training exercises. Check with a trainer to make sure proper form and body alignment are being followed. Always do warm up and cool down exercises before and after workouts.
- Keep your muscles flexible by proper stretching exercises or yoga.
- Dont engage in activities that cause or worsen knee pain.
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What Do Muscle Spasms Feel Like
Muscle spasms range in intensity from mild, uncomfortable twitches to significant discomfort to intense, severe pain. The spastic muscle may feel harder than normal to the touch and/or appear visibly distorted. It may twitch. Spasms typically last from seconds to 15 minutes or longer, and may recur multiple times before going away.
Nocturnal Leg Cramps Vs Restless Legs Syndrome
Nocturnal leg cramps are a distinct condition, but they are often misdiagnosed as restless legs syndrome because both disorders involve uncomfortable sensations in the legs. Although symptoms are similar, there are some key differences between these disorders.
- Calf or foot cramps during the night
- Cramping that causes intense pain
- Sharp pain lasting less than 10 minutes
- Soreness lingering for hours or days
- Sleep disruption as a result of cramping
- Feeling distress around falling asleep
Even though restless legs syndrome also involves leg discomfort at night, its symptoms vary from those found in nocturnal leg cramps. RLS is characterized by the desire or urge to move your legs in the evening. Other symptoms can include:
- Unpleasant or painful sensations in the legs
- Discomfort that worsens in the evening or night
- Relief found by walking or stretching
- Sensations that worsen with lack of exercise or rest
Symptoms of nocturnal leg cramps and RLS often present in similar ways. Therefore, nocturnal leg cramps might be difficult for your doctor to diagnose. To help your doctor figure out what issue is causing your leg discomfort, track your symptoms and bring detailed notes with you to your appointment.
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When Should I See My Healthcare Provider About My Leg Cramps
See your healthcare provider if your leg cramps are unbearably painful, happen frequently or last for a long time. Also, talk to your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms in addition to leg cramps:
- Muscle cramps in other parts of your body.
- Significant pain.
- Swelling or numbness in the leg.
- Changes in the skin of your leg.
- Waking up over and over again with leg cramps.
- If your leg cramps are stopping you from getting enough sleep.
- If you have fluid abnormalities or electrolyte imbalances.
- See your healthcare provider immediately if youre concerned that your leg cramps are a symptom of an underlying serious medical condition.
How To Reduce Leg Cramps At Night
Although the exact cause of nocturnal leg cramps is unknown, there are ways to reduce the likelihood that you will experience them. Typically, leg cramps do not indicate a serious health problem. However, if you are experiencing frequent leg cramping, you should reach out to your doctor. You may be able to reduce the likelihood of experiencing leg cramps through:
Hydration: Staying consistently hydrated throughout the day may help reduce the frequency of muscle cramps, since dehydration can cause cramps. Though some research suggests that nocturnal leg cramps are not caused by dehydration, it may help to drink water during long periods of outdoor activity or strenuous activity. There is also research to suggest that drinking pickle juice during a cramping episode helps inhibit the cramp quickly.
Stretching: Doing some stretching or yoga before bed may help you reduce both the frequency and intensity of nocturnal leg cramps. Research suggests that engaging in a stretching routine before bed helps reduce cramps and leg pain after about six weeks.
Baths: Some people claim that taking a bath helps relieve their nighttime cramps, though further research is needed. An epsom salt bath in particular could help reduce muscle pain. Epsom salt contains magnesium sulfate. An epsom salt bath could increase your magnesium levels, which may help relieve leg cramping.
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What To Expect At Your Office Visit
Your provider will perform a physical exam, and look at your knees, hips, legs, and other joints.
Your provider may do the following tests:
- MRI of the knee if a ligament or meniscus tear could be the cause
- CT scan of the knee
- Joint fluid culture
Your provider may inject a steroid into your knee to reduce pain and inflammation.
You may need to learn stretching and strengthening exercises. You also may need to see a podiatrist to be fitted for orthotics.
In some cases, you may need surgery.
How Do I Stop A Leg Cramp
Try forcefully stretching the affected muscle . Jiggle your leg, massage it, or force yourself to walk. It might also help to apply ice or heat use a heating pad or take a warm bath.
Unfortunately, there are no pills or injections that instantly relieve a leg cramp when its happening. There are, however, ways that may prevent the cramp from happening in the first place .
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What Is Behind Knee Pain
Behind knee pain is discomfort or soreness behind the knee joint. It may occur with or without movement and can be severe enough to limit movement. People may describe behind knee pain as discomfort, inflammation, increased warmth or burning, soreness, stiffness, or pain.
Behind is a common sign of a Bakers cyst, which is a buildup of synovial fluid behind the knee. Synovial fluid lubricates the joints and reduces friction between the joint cartilages. The symptoms associated with a tend to come and go, and the condition will not cause any long-term damage to the knee.
However, behind knee pain may be a symptom of deep vein thrombosis , which is a serious and life-threatening condition. The can break loose and cause a pulmonary in the lung, a heart attack, or even stroke. Deep vein thrombosis has similar symptoms to a Bakers cyst.
If you experience pain behind the knee and calf with painful swelling and bruises, seek immediate emergency medical care. If your symptoms persist or cause you concern, contact a medical professional.
Tips To Relieve Leg Cramps In Seniors
Leg cramps are painful, and when they do occur, the immediate desire of the affected is to find relief. It is unhelpful if you do not know what to do as this will continue to prolong the pain. Lying down or sitting down will not provide any relief. So, what is the best treatment for leg cramps? Can you stopleg cramps immediately?
Stretch. Despite your aversion to doing so, straighten your leg and then flex it several times. Pull your toes towards your shin to stretch the muscles.
Massage the muscles. Use your hands to gently massage the muscles. Sometimes you may find this difficult to do because of the pain.
Stand Up. Press your feet against the floor as forcefully as you can. You might not have success doing this the first time, but persist until you can do it. It will provide some relief.
Begin to Walk. While you are walking around, ensure that you periodically wiggle your leg. Also, try to walk on your heels for some time to activate the muscles opposite your calf. Not very easy, but still doable!
Apply heat or cold to the affected area if possible. To apply heat use a heating pad or apply cold by wrapping a bag of ice in a towel.
Take Over-the-Counter Pain killers if you continue to experience soreness after cramping has subsided.
Finally, take some time to evaluate what could have triggered the event so that you try to manage future events.
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