Understanding Adolescent Knee Pain
This is a growth-related condition where the patellar tendon pulls on the growth plate at the top of the shinbone. It is most common in active 10–15 year-olds during a growth spurt.
Common Symptoms
- Pain during running, jumping, or kneeling.
- A painful, bony bump below the kneecap.
- Tightness in the quadriceps (thigh) muscles.
The Ashbourne Approach
We provide a supportive environment for young athletes and their parents. The goal is “load management”—we don’t stop them from playing sport entirely, but we teach them how to modify their training volume. We use gentle stretching and strengthening to reduce the pull on the shinbone, helping them stay active until they finish growing.