Does your child wince after soccer practice, rub the front of the knee, or skip the bike rides they used to love? Growing knees that ache can sideline even the most active kids — and the cause often traces back further than parents expect.
For more than 20 years, Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists has been the trusted name for pediatric foot and ankle care across The Woodlands and Magnolia. Led by Dr. D. Sean Sweeney, DPM, FACFAS, and Dr. Christy Leahey, DPM, FACFAS, the practice has been voted Best Podiatrist in The Woodlands by Living Magazine every year since 2012.
Understanding Knee Pain in Growing Children
Knee pain in children can stem from many different conditions. Some are minor and resolve with rest, while others are rare but more serious. Because growing bones, tendons, and growth plates are still developing, any persistent knee discomfort in a child deserves a professional evaluation.
What Is Osgood-Schlatter Disease?
One of the most common causes of knee pain in growing kids is Osgood-Schlatter disease. It develops when the patellar tendon — the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone — pulls abnormally on the growth plate at the front of the knee. That repeated strain can cause irritation, swelling, and a tender bump just below the kneecap.
The condition most often appears in children ages 10 to 14 and is closely tied to sports, running, jumping, and aggressive bicycle riding.
Common Signs to Watch For
- Pain at the front of the knee, just below the kneecap
- Swelling or a tender bump under the knee
- Discomfort that worsens with running, jumping, or kneeling
- Stiffness after activity
How Your Child’s Feet Affect the Knees
Many parents are surprised to learn that knee pain often starts in the feet. When the foot rolls inward during walking or running, the lower leg rotates inward as well. That rotation changes the angle at which the patellar tendon pulls on the growth plate, leading to the irritation seen in Osgood-Schlatter disease. Identifying and correcting these underlying foot mechanics is frequently the missing piece in lasting relief.
Treatment Options That Help
Care typically starts with simple, conservative steps and builds from there based on your child’s needs:
- Activity modification to limit kneeling and deep knee bending
- Icing and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as Tylenol or Advil for temporary relief
- Stretching and in-office physical therapy to support the surrounding muscles
- MLS laser therapy to reduce pain and inflammation while accelerating tissue repair
- Custom-fitted orthotics to correct the foot mechanics driving the abnormal tendon pull
Custom orthotics can be a true game-changer. By realigning the foot, they ease the inward rotation of the lower leg and relieve the strain on the knee at its source.
Why Choose Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists for Pediatric Knee Pain in The Woodlands, TX?
Families across Greater Houston choose Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists because your child receives compassionate, kid-friendly care from podiatrists who understand active, growing bodies. Dr. Sweeney and Dr. Leahey combine more than two decades of clinical experience with advanced tools like MLS laser therapy, all under one welcoming roof.
You also benefit from prompt appointments, a patient-centered approach, and a team recognized as the Best Podiatrist in The Woodlands by Living Magazine every year since 2012. From quick sports injury evaluations to long-term orthotic care, your family receives thorough answers and a treatment plan tailored to your child’s age, activity level, and goals.
Help Your Child Get Back to Doing What They Love
Growing pains shouldn’t keep your child off the field, the bike, or the playground. With the right diagnosis, gentle treatment, and a plan that addresses both the knee and the feet, most kids return to full activity feeling stronger and more confident.
Schedule a pediatric knee pain consultation at Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists today. Call our The Woodlands, TX, office at (281) 292-4944 or our Magnolia office at (281) 789-4956 to get your child on the path to pain-free play.