KNEE OR ANKLE PAIN IN ADOLESCENT BOYS

Joint pain can occur in adolescents which may resemble arthritis. It is important to determine if the pain worsens with activity or is better with activity. Some conditons which may mimic arthritis in adolescents include: chrondromalacia patellae, osteochrodritis dessicans, Osgood-schlatte and Severs disease.

Osteochrondirtis dessicans and Osgoode-Schlatter disease happen frequently to teenage boys and has a big affect on the knees and ankles. Usually these diseases are preceded by some trauma to the affected joint which could be repetitive (microtrauma/overuse).

Osteochondritis dessicans is when a piece of cartilage fractures/breaks away due to lack of blood flow/supply leading to pain and swelling in the affected joint.

Osgood Schlatter disease is called apophysitis which is inflammation at the site where tendons insert. Osgood Schlatter typically affects the patellar tendon at its insertion site on the tibial tubercle leading to pain below the knee.

It is important to consult your family doctor, orthopedic specialist or chiropodist if dealing with knee pain or ankle pain.