Overview

Injuries are a common cause of knee problems. Sudden (acute) injuries may be caused by a direct blow to the knee. They can also be caused by abnormal twisting, bending, or falling on the knee during activities like playing sports. Pain, bruising, or swelling may be severe, and may start within minutes of the injury.

Overuse is another cause of knee pain. Other causes are climbing stairs, kneeling, and other activities that use the knee.

Rest, along with home treatment, often relieves pain and allows the knee to heal. A child who has a serious knee injury may need tests and treatment.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• Be sure your child rests and protects the knee.
• Put ice or a cold pack on your child's knee for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's skin.
• Prop up your child's sore knee on a pillow when icing it or anytime your child sits or lies down for the next 3 days. Try to keep your child's knee above the level of their heart. This will help reduce swelling.
• If your child's knee is not swollen, you can put moist heat or a warm cloth on the knee.
• If your doctor recommends an elastic bandage, sleeve, or other type of support for your child's knee, make sure your child wears it as directed.
• Follow your doctor's instructions about how much weight your child can put on the leg. Make sure your child uses crutches as instructed.
• Follow the doctor's instructions about activity during your child's healing process. If your child can do mild exercise, slowly increase their activity.
• Help your child reach and stay at a healthy weight. Extra weight can strain the joints, especially the knees and hips, and make the pain worse. Losing a little weight may help.