Kneecap problems in children: Treatment

by Niraj Jayaswal Content Writer

Article

The knee consists of three main bones i.e knee cap, tibia and femur, all three of which are extremely important for the normal functioning of the knee, however, our knees can get affected by a number of problems that can damage the knee and especially the kneecap. These problems not only affect adults but can affect children as well.

Patellar tendonitis (PDF) commonly known as jumper’s knee is marked by swelling in the patellar tendon often caused by excessive jumping that leads to a lot of strain.
Another cause of kneecap pain in children is tightness in the muscles of the quadriceps owing to which the kneecap gets pushed hard against the thigh bone.
Sometimes tightness in the hamstrings can lead to excessive pressure on the quadriceps which may ultimately lead to unbearable kneecap pain.
Sometimes the kneecap may slip out of the joint owing to its unbalanced sitting and this leads to immense pressure on the thighbone and the joints of the knee which can lead to a lot of pain and discomfort.
Patellofemoral syndrome (PDF) is a problem caused by indulging in rigorous physical activities they lead to excessive pressure on the knee and joints. This often leads to chronic pain and irritation.
Kneecap pain may also be a result of inflammation or irritation in the growth plates of the knees.

Kneecap pain is very common in children especially girls as their bones are still growing. Hence it very important for the parents to learn about these problems and how these can be treated. It is very important to consult a paediatric orthopaedic doctor if your child complains of persistent knee pain. Whereas a lot of these problems can be treated with the help of simple medication and therapies, some even require surgical intervention and hence it is advisable to consult a specialist. Knee cap problems are often marked by inflammation and swelling.

Children, especially toddlers are not usually able to express their pain. Parents often tend to mistake this for normal growing pain and instead of consulting a doctor they resort to common home remedies. However, it is better to not take such problems lightly and immediately consult a doctor as this pain might be an indication of a serious problem. The doctor will thoroughly examine your child and may even suggest certain tests and screenings which help to determine the root cause of the problem and then proceed with the treatment accordingly.

Doctors usually resort to non-invasive treatment options and proceed with the surgery only when all other treatment options fail to give desired results.

Physical therapy and exercise prove to be highly effective and can help to strengthen the child's muscles, bones and joints. It also helps to keep the kneecap in place. Parents can help their children by encouraging them and learning the exercises and then helping their children to perform these. If your child experiences any pain or discomfort while performing these, immediately inform his/her doctor. It is very important to strengthen the muscles as strong muscles provide support to the knee cap and reduce the strain on it.

Surgery can be performed in case of chronic knee problem to correct the orientation of the knee and the lower legs in case they are severely knock-kneed or if the kneecaps tend to slide out of their original position. In the case of the former problem, temporary staples can help to correct the problem as the staples help to pinch the inner growth plates and allow the outer growth plates to grow normally. Surgery can also prove to be beneficial in case of dislocated knee caps that may be a result of an injury or blow. Sometimes the doctors may surgically attach the kneecap to the shin bone to prevent it from sliding.

The surgery is to be followed up by sessions of physiotherapy to help the patient cope up with the surgery and also to increase the mobility of the knee. The child may not be allowed to take part in certain physical activities for some time as these can lead to immense pressure on the knee and lead to complications.

Conclusion

Hence kneecap problems not only affect adults but can also severely affect children and hence it will is better to know about the various symptoms and consult a specialist immediately if you notice any of these in your children. The treatment for the same is available at the best orthopaedic hospital in Dwarka. The hospital is a hub for some of the top-notch knee replacement surgeons in Delhi.