Patient question

When should I worry about my child's knee pain?

Dr. Pablo GelberOrthopaedic Knee Surgeon

Quick answer

Worry, and act, if knee pain comes with fever, a hot swollen joint, a limp, refusal to walk, pain at rest or at night that keeps worsening, or weight loss. Pain lasting more than two to three weeks also deserves a check, advises Dr. Pablo Gelber, knee surgeon at Aman Hospital in Doha. Most other knee aches in children are minor.

Same day: go to emergency care

Fever with knee pain, or a knee that is hot, red and swollen
Your child cannot or will not put weight on the leg
A visible deformity, or severe pain after a fall
The knee swelled up quickly within hours of an injury
Your child seems generally unwell

These can signal infection, a fracture or an internal injury, and waiting can cause harm.

Within days: book an examination

A limp that lasts more than a day or two, even without pain
Pain in one knee that keeps coming back in the same spot
Swelling of the knee without an obvious injury
The knee locks, catches or gives way
The kneecap has slipped out of place
Morning stiffness, or more than one joint is sore
Pain at night that wakes your child repeatedly
Pain lasting more than two to three weeks despite rest

Usually fine to watch at home

Brief aches after a busy day of sport that settle overnight, pain in both legs in the evening that fits growing pains, and minor bumps with no swelling and a normal walk can usually be watched. Rest from sport for a few days, use ice after activity and a simple painkiller if needed. If it is not clearly improving within a week or two, book a check.

What a consultation in Doha involves

At Aman Hospital Dr. Gelber listens to you and your child, examines both knees and both hips, and checks how your child walks, squats and moves. Many children need only advice on activity. X-rays, blood tests or an MRI are used when the story or examination suggests they will change the plan, not routinely.

Frequently asked questions

Is knee pain at night in a child always serious?

No. Growing pains typically occur at night. Pain that is always in the same knee, keeps worsening, or comes with swelling, limp or fever is different and should be examined.

My teenager plays a lot of football. Is knee pain just normal?

Pain should not be accepted as normal. Overuse conditions are common in young athletes and usually respond well to adjusting training once diagnosed.

Can knee pain in a child be from the hip?

Yes. Hip conditions in children and teenagers often cause pain felt only in the knee, which is why the hip is always examined.