Sports medicine stats: Knee pain in adolescent athletes
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
Knee pain affects one-third of all adolescents. In fact, patellofemoral pain (PFP) itself affects 7% of the adolescent population. In sports populations, the prevalence may be even higher. Compared with adolescents without knee pain, adolescents with knee pain have long-standing pain and reduction in health-related quality of life.
Knee pain is often considered a natural part of adolescence. Often we considered knee pain to be a problem that will go away over time.
A recent study looked at 2200 15 to 19 year olds. It appears that knee pain in adolescents might not resolve spontaneously. 55.9% of those who reported knee pain at baseline also reported pain 2 years later. Adolescents with PFP were significantly more likely to reduce or stop sports participation compared with adolescents who report other types of knee pain.
Source: American Journal of Sports Medicine, May 2016
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
populations, the prevalence may be even higher. Compared with adolescents without knee pain, adolescents with knee pain have long-standing pain and reduction in health-related quality of life.