Question:
My 12year old son is a keen football player and plays regularly at school and for a local club.  Recently he has been complaining of pain in the front of his knees, I took him to see the Doctor who said it was growing pains and he should rest.  Is there anything I can do to help?

Answer:
Growing pain in the front of the knee (Osgood Schlatters) is relatively common in youngsters, especially during a time of rapid growth.  It can also be brought on by an increase in activity levels or playing on hard ground.  It is basically due to an irritation of the point at which the quadriceps muscles attach just below the knee via the patella tendon.  This irritation is typically because when a child is growing and exercising the muscles can become very tight pulling on the point at which they attach, this is where the pain is felt.

It is important to stretch the quadriceps to release the tension.  The stretch should be held for 30secs and done 3 times on each side. Do not stretch into pain, start with gentle stretching as there may be discomfort when releasing the stretch. 

Resting the area will allow time for the irritation to settle, during this period icing is a good idea.  You should use the pain as a guide to him playing sport, no child should play if they are in pain, so trying to go through the pain when they are in obvious discomfort is a no go.  It is important that he enjoys sport at his age and that will soon disappear if he is in pain.

In summary he needs to rest, stretch his quadriceps, ice the irritated area and return to playing as his pain will allow.  Be patient, sometimes these things take a little while to settle.