Need advice, fluid on the knees of my 12 year old

[Beauty]

Since he started Jr. High football practice his knee has been giving him trouble. I will look and notice him limping on it and I'll ask if its bothering him and he will say yes.

Sometimes it really hurts him and my DH seems to think it may be fluid on his knee.

My question, is this common for a 12 year old? Should I take himm to a Sports Dr. or have our regular Dr. check it out first and then recommend what we need??

Any advice in this area?

 

[Serena]

Go to your doctor Beth, they will be able to recommend someone if neccessary and if it is, they can get an appointment lots faster.

 

[SeaSpray]

My DS who just turned 13 has had fluid in his hip joint and causes him to limp and have some pain. We first took him to our regular pediatrician but then he referred us to a pediatric orthopedic doctor who was able to conduct all the tests to make the diagnosis. After DS was put on crutches, and then physical therapy, he has pretty much recovered but it's really an on-going thing. He still limps when he's been running or walking a lot, but it's not as noticeable or causes him as much pain as it did. I don't know why it's recurring, and neither do the doctors.
Sending my best wishes to your DS!

P.S. My DS's condition also worsened that fall, during football practices!

 

[Jenn Lynn]

I asked DH and he said it could be fluid if there is swelling. He also asked if you iced his knee. That will help with swelling and inflamation.

He also said take him to a Doctor and get him checked out.

 

[helenabear]

I agree, take him to your regular doctor. I had major fluid in my knee after an injury while downhill skiing. To this day it still isn't right. I would take him as soon as you can to make sure it isn't anything serious and maybe something you can help fix. Knees are a pain to heal.

 

[kixx]

If you give your son some Motrin, that will also help along with the ice.

 

[Beauty]

Thanks

Yes it does swell a bit and we have iced it when it has been bothering him badly. I think I will make a call Monday to our regular Dr.

Its the last week of school so they can't be doing anything too important anyway.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Both my older brother and younger sister had this problem when they were kids. They had the fluid drained off their knees.

 

[phamton]

It sounds like Osgood Schlatters disease to me.

Osgood Schlatters is one of the most common causes of knee pain in young athletes. It causes swelling, pain and tenderness just below the knee, over the shin bone (also called the tibia). It occurs mostly in boys who are having a growth spurt. One or both knees may be affected, tibial tuberosity.

It mainly affects boys aged 10 to 16 years old.
What are the symptoms?

* Swelling just below the kneecap.
* Tenderness and pain on the tibial tuberosity during and after exercise.
* Pain when contracting the quadriceps against resistance.

The knee showing inflammation of the patella ligament attachment to the tibia
What can the athlete do?

* Rest. This injury needs rest if it is to heal. You must only do as much exercise as it will allow you. Weight bearing exercise will make it worse. Keep your sessions few and high quality rather than train every day.
* Apply heat and use a heat retainer.
* See a sports injury professional.
Decreasing the intensity of training may be all the adjustment needed to control the pain and swelling associated with this condition.

Most adolescent athletes will experience this problem during their athletic career, it does not mean disqualification from participation.

 

[aprilgail2]

I had a bit of a skiing accident when I was 13 and had some knee troubles...all I remember was a needle and them removing water from my knee with it....I would take him to an orthopedic Dr as soon as possible.