My child trains at a sports academy and their knees always hurt. Is that normal?

Why academy players are prone to knee pain

Growing children have growth plates where strong tendons attach, and these areas are more vulnerable than adult tendons. During growth spurts, bones lengthen faster than muscles adapt, so the thighs and calves become tight and pull harder on the knee. Add daily sessions, matches at weekends, a single sport all year and hard pitches or courts, and overuse pain is very common.

In Qatar, training often moves to evenings or indoor halls in summer, which is sensible for heat, but it can also mean less recovery time and late nights before school.

Common causes in young athletes

• Osgood-Schlatter disease: pain and a bump just below the kneecap
• Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome: pain at the lower tip of the kneecap
• Patellofemoral pain: an ache around the kneecap with stairs, squats and sitting
• Patellar tendon pain in jumping sports
• Less often: osteochondritis dissecans, a meniscus problem or a stress fracture

Practical changes that usually help

• Reduce, do not stop: cut jumping and sprint volume while keeping some training
• Respect pain: mild discomfort that settles by the next day is acceptable; limping or pain that lasts is not
• Build in rest days and at least a few weeks off from the main sport each year
• Add strength work for the thighs and hips and regular stretching during growth spurts
• Watch sleep, hydration and nutrition, particularly during Ramadan and summer camps
• Talk to the coach: good academies adjust load for players going through growth spurts

When to see a knee surgeon in Doha

Book an assessment if pain lasts more than a few weeks, causes a limp, wakes your child at night, comes with swelling or locking, or if it followed a specific injury. At Aman Hospital Dr. Gelber examines the knee and hips, checks flexibility and alignment, and uses X-ray or MRI only when needed. He can write clear guidance for parents and coaches on what training is safe while the knee settles.