• Knee pain below kneecap or at the top of the shin
• Swelling
• Tenderness with touch
• Tight quads
• A hard, painful bump on or below the kneecap

• Aching or soreness in the front of the knee
• Pain during or after running and jumping
• Pain when kneeling
• Discomfort that gets worse with activity
• Stiffness around the knee

• Growth spurts
• Sports and physical activity
• Running, jumping, and squatting
• Tight muscles
• Repeated pulling on the shinbone

• Does it hurt if you lightly press on the front of your knee?
• Does walking, running, or kneeling cause pain?

Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.

1. 1Do not try to “play through the pain”
2. 2Rest
3. 3Apply ice for 10-15 minutes at a time
4. 4Ask an adult if an over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen, is an option for you

• Severe or sudden knee pain
• Cannot walk or put weight on the leg
• Major swelling or swelling that appears suddenly
• Pain that keeps getting worse or doesn't improve with rest

• Gently stretch your quads and hamstrings to reduce tightness
• Build strength in your thigh, hip, and core muscles with exercises recommended by a coach or physical therapist
• Wear supportive shoes or shoe inserts to reduce stress on your knees
• Do a light warm-up before sports and avoid suddenly increasing your training
• Use a patellar tendon strap if a healthcare professional thinks it would be helpful