What should you know about growing pains in knees at 16?

At 16, repeated running, jumping, squatting, or a sudden training change can irritate tissues around the knee. Tenderness over the bump below the kneecap may fit Osgood-Schlatter Disease, which affects a growth area during adolescence. Heel pain from running or jumping can fit Sever's Disease, but that does not explain knee pain directly. Pain inside the joint, locking, giving way, a pop followed by swelling, or pain after a twist needs a different assessment. The pattern of pain during activity and at rest is useful information.

Reduce jumping, sprinting, deep squats, and other movements that reproduce the pain while keeping gentle, comfortable activity. Use a training diary to record load, footwear, pain location, swelling, and recovery by the next morning. A wrapped cold pack after activity may ease irritation. Do not push through sharp pain or repeatedly test a knee that is swollen. A clinician or physiotherapist can check strength, alignment, movement, and the need for imaging.

Book an assessment if knee pain persists, returns with sport, disturbs sleep, or affects stairs, walking, or school activities. Seek prompt care for swelling, warmth, fever, an inability to fully straighten the knee, locking, repeated giving way, or inability to bear weight. After a significant twist or impact, urgent review is sensible when pain is severe or function changes suddenly.

Where exactly is the pain, and which structure could be involved? Can I continue modified training? Do I need a strength or flexibility programme? What symptoms would require imaging or urgent review?