 | Mark L. Stovak, MD MD is medical director for Via Christi Sports Medicine and associate director of the Via Christi Family Practice Residency Program. Dr. Stovak works with athletes in his role as team physician for the Wichita Stealth, Wichita Wranglers, the Wichita Thunder and Newman University. He is also medical director for Wichita State University athletics |
Health & Medicine
2002-10-01 11:28:00
Knee knots
: Our son is 14. He is 6' 2" and still growing. He has knots on the front of each knee. When he plays sports and happens to bump them, they get very sore. What are they? Should we be concerned that they could be bone cancer?
Dr. Mark Stovak
Question: Our son is 14. He is 6' 2" and still growing. He has knots on the front of each knee. When he plays sports and happens to bump them, they get very sore. What are they? Should we be concerned that they could be bone cancer?Answer: Your son most likely has Osgood-Schlatter's disease. This is really a common problem that occurs in growing adolescents that occurs because the patellar tendon attaches at an apophysis (growth plate of sorts) at this location. When the patellar tendon is tight because your son's bones are growing faster than the muscle-tendon complex, there is a pulling at this area especially during running & jumping activities. This tendon is stronger than the bone during this time when the apophysis is open to allow growth. The pull causes a traction injury to the apophysis causing the pain & the bump.It is very unlikely that this is cancer, especially since it is bilateral, but the only way to be certain is with an XR.I would recommend quadriceps stretches & hip flexor stretches daily. He can participate up to the point of pain but if the pain limits his ability to play or he limps then he should quit for that day. Over the counter medications are desirable after activity as well as ice. If this does not help then there are straps available as well that are similar to tennis elbow straps but they are made for this problem. If this does not allow him to participate without limitations then I would seek further treatment through your physician.
