My teenage daughter is double-jointed and her knees ache after sport. Should I worry?

Why it is common at this age

Flexibility is naturally greater in childhood and adolescence and is more common in girls. During growth spurts, bones lengthen faster than muscles strengthen, so control around the knee drops for a while. Sports that reward flexibility, such as dance, gymnastics, cheerleading and martial arts, attract hypermobile children and add load.

Typical complaints are aching at the front of the knee after training, tired legs, and knees that feel wobbly when landing.

Signs to have her checked

• The kneecap slips sideways or has dislocated
• The knee swells after activity
• The knee locks, catches or gives way
• Pain wakes her at night or she limps
• Pain is in one knee only and keeps getting worse
• Several joints are painful, she bruises easily, or she is frequently exhausted

How to help at home

Keep her active, as stopping sport altogether often makes things worse. Encourage a physiotherapist-guided strengthening programme for the thighs, hips and core, and ask coaches to include landing and balance drills. Discourage repeated end-range stretching or party tricks with the joints.

Good sleep, regular meals and hydration matter, especially with training in the Qatar heat. Supportive trainers and a sensible weekly training load help, and rest days should be real rest days.

What an assessment involves in Doha

At Aman Hospital Dr. Gelber talks with your daughter and you about her symptoms and sport, scores her joint flexibility, checks kneecap tracking, alignment and ligament stability, and examines the growth plates around the knee. Imaging is arranged only if something structural is suspected. Most teenagers are managed with a tailored exercise programme and advice on training load.