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Patient Questions  /  Teen knee pain below the kneecap

Kids & Babies

Why Does My Teen's Knee Hurt Below the Kneecap?

In active kids and young teens, pain and a tender bump just below the kneecap is most often Osgood-Schlatter. It happens when the thigh muscle tendon pulls on a growth area at the top of the shin bone, usually during a growth spurt in running and jumping sports. It is common, usually settles once growth slows, and often doesn't mean stopping sports completely.

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What is going on

During growth spurts, bones can grow faster than muscles and tendons stretch, so the thigh muscles pull harder on the growth area below the knee. Running, jumping, kneeling and squatting all add stress. The area gets sore, and a bump may form. The pain usually fades as growth finishes, though the bump may stay.

A similar problem can affect the bottom tip of the kneecap. Older teens can also get pain in the tendon itself, sometimes called jumper's knee.

What usually helps

  • Adjust, don't always stop. Cut back on the activities that hurt most, like extra jumping or sprinting, while staying active.
  • Use a pain guide. Mild soreness that settles by the next day is usually OK. Pain that makes your child limp or play differently means do less.
  • Build strength in the thighs and hips, and work on flexibility in the thigh and hamstring muscles.
  • Ice after activity can ease soreness. A pad can protect the bump when kneeling.

When to see a doctor

See your child's pediatrician promptly if:

  • Swelling inside the knee, or a knee that locks or gives way
  • Your child can't put weight on the leg after a fall or a pop
  • Knee pain with a limp and pain in the hip, groin or thigh. In kids and teens, a hip problem can show up as knee pain
  • Pain at night or at rest, or pain with fever
  • Pain that keeps getting worse despite cutting back

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A physical therapist can confirm the pattern of pain, set clear limits for practice and games, and build a strengthening and flexibility program that fits around school and sport. Parents are involved in visits, we give guidance families can share with coaches, and we coordinate with your child's pediatrician.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi. We can usually see new pediatric patients within 1–2 weeks.

Read our full guide: Youth sports injuries →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

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This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026