Knee Pain in Kids & Treatment in West Ryde
Knee pain is common in active kids and teenagers, and most of the time it’s tied to growth rather than anything serious. It usually settles as they finish growing, especially with the right load management. That said, a few things do need checking, so this page covers what’s normal, what isn’t, and when to bring your child in.
We treat kids’ knee pain at our West Ryde clinic, close to Denistone, Eastwood, Meadowbank and the wider Ryde area. Book an appointment or call (02) 9874 8410.
What causes knee pain in kids?
During a growth spurt, the bones often grow faster than the muscles and tendons can keep up. That leaves the tendon attachments around the knee under extra tension, and in active kids that tension causes pain at the growth plate. These are the growing-related conditions, and they’re the most common cause we see.
The other causes are patellofemoral (kneecap) pain, and acute injuries from a fall, twist or knock during sport.
Which condition does my child have?
A rough guide based on where it hurts and their age. A physio can confirm it quickly.
| Where it hurts | Likely cause | Typical age |
|---|---|---|
| Bony bump below the kneecap, on the shin | Osgood-Schlatter | Boys 12–14, girls 10–13 |
| Bottom tip of the kneecap | Sinding-Larsen-Johansson | 10–14 |
| Back of the heel (not the knee, but the same growth-plate problem) | Sever’s disease | 8–14 |
| Front of or around the kneecap | Patellofemoral (kneecap) pain | Older kids and teens |
Osgood-Schlatter disease
This is pain and swelling over the bony bump at the top of the shin, just below the kneecap, where the big thigh tendon attaches. It flares with running, jumping and stairs, and it’s sore to kneel on. Around one in four kids get it in both knees. The bump can stay slightly enlarged even after the pain goes.
Symptoms tend to come and go for 12 to 24 months and then settle once the growth plate matures. It’s uncomfortable and frustrating, but it doesn’t cause lasting damage.
Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome
Same idea as Osgood-Schlatter, just at the other end of the tendon. The pain sits at the bottom tip of the kneecap rather than down on the shin. It shows up in the same active age group and flares with the same activities, running, jumping and stairs. It also settles with skeletal maturity and responds to the same management.
When to see a doctor, not just a physio
Growing pains follow a pattern: they’re linked to activity and ease with rest. See your local GP promptly if your child’s knee pain doesn’t fit that pattern, in particular:
- Pain that wakes them at night or is there when they haven’t been active
- A limp that doesn’t settle
- Fever, feeling unwell, or a hot, red, swollen knee
- The knee locking or giving way
- Pain after a significant fall or impact, or if they can’t put weight on the leg
These are less common, but they can point to things like infection or joint inflammation that need a doctor rather than a physiotherapist.
Can my child keep playing sport?
Usually yes, in a modified way. Total rest isn’t necessary for most growing-related knee pain, and kids don’t need to give up their sport.
The aim is to keep them active at a level their knee can handle. That often means cutting back training volume for a while, warming up properly, and using pain as the guide rather than pushing through it.
A physio will set the specific limits with you and your child.
How physiotherapy helps
We assess what’s driving the pain, then build a simple plan around it. That usually includes activity and load advice so they can keep playing, stretching and strengthening for the quads, hamstrings and calves, and practical tools like a patellar strap, taping, ice after sport, or footwear and orthotics advice if their foot posture is adding load.
The point is to settle the pain and keep them moving while they grow through it.
How long does it take?
It varies. Symptoms often come and go for a year or two and then resolve for good once the growth plates mature.
Good load management makes that stretch a lot more comfortable and keeps them in their sport along the way.
Book in at West Ryde
Our clinic is in West Ryde, a short trip from Denistone, Eastwood, Meadowbank, Top Ryde and Putney.
Book online or call (02) 9874 8410 to see one of our physiotherapists. All of our physios are registered with AHPRA. For other knee problems, head back to our main knee pain page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are growing pains in the knee serious?
Usually not.
Conditions like Osgood-Schlatter and Sinding-Larsen-Johansson are common, don’t cause lasting damage, and settle once your child finishes growing. It’s worth getting checked so you know that’s what it is and can manage it well.
Does my child need a scan or X-ray?
Usually not.
A physiotherapist can diagnose most growing-related knee pain from the history and a hands-on assessment, and will only refer for imaging if something doesn’t fit the usual pattern.
Should my child stop sport completely?
In most cases no.
The goal is to modify activity, not cut it out. We’ll help you find the level their knee can handle so they can keep playing while the pain settles.
How long will the physiotherapy treatment last?
Growing-related knee pain often comes and goes for 12 to 24 months before resolving as the growth plates mature.
Managing load well makes that period much more comfortable.
Do I need a referral to bring my child in?
No referral is needed for private physiotherapy.
You only need one if you’re claiming through a Medicare care plan, which your GP would arrange.
When should I take my child to a doctor instead?
If the pain wakes them at night, isn’t linked to activity, comes with a limp, fever or a hot swollen knee, or the knee locks or gives way, see your GP.
Those signs sit outside the usual growing-pain pattern.