If your kid plays soccer or basketball and says: “my knee hurts when I run or jump”, it’s not always just “growing pains.”
Between 10–16 years, two common causes are Osgood-Schlatter and Sinding-Larsen-Johansson: irritation where the tendon anchors to bone, driven by growth + sport.
In 30 seconds
- It’s not “made up” or always “just growth.”
- Controlled load + physio usually fixes it.
- Often you don’t have to quit sport, but you must train smarter.
- Ignoring it can lead to chronic pain or calcifications.
What they are (simple)
Growth makes bones lengthen fast; tendons feel tighter. Jumps/sprints add traction on the tendon insertion.
- Osgood-Schlatter: pain below the kneecap at the tibial tuberosity (sometimes a bump).
- Sinding-Larsen: pain at the lower pole of the patella.
Analogy: like a rope (tendon) pulling on its hook (bone) until it gets irritated.
Typical symptoms
- Pain with running, jumping, or stairs (in Quito with hills, very common).
- Pain when kneeling.
- Improves with rest, returns with training.
- Tender to the touch at the insertion.
⚠️ Fever, night pain, or pain unrelated to activity needs other evaluation.
Do they need to stop sports?
# Load management (not always “stop everything”)
- Temporarily lower intensity.
- Avoid training “through strong pain.”
- Alternate load/rest days.
- Strengthen quads, glutes, and core.
In Ecuador many teens train 3–5x/week with little strength prep—knees complain.
What works
- Physio: mobility + strength + movement control.
- Ice 10–15 min after sport.
- Adjust footwear/surface (hard court worsens it).
- Patellar strap in selected cases.
- Analgesics only under medical advice.
When to consult
- Pain repeats weekly or causes limping.
- Pain limits sport.
- The bump grows or hurts a lot.
- No improvement after 2–3 weeks of load adjustment.
Dr. Calderón difference
I educate and guide the family: not about banning sports, but making them safe. As USFQ professor and ISAKOS member, I use updated protocols to keep teens active without damaging the knee.
Bottom line
If pain keeps coming back, don’t wait for it to turn chronic. With evaluation and a load + physio plan, it usually settles well.
Book in Quito (Fortune Plaza) or download my guide on “Anterior knee pain in young athletes.”
Medical note: educational content; not a consult.
