adult knee caps and bumps below the knee?

Question

i am a male, i just turned 14 in june, i believe that my knee caps are bigger for my age. I compared my knee cap with other people from my age range and my knee cap was bigger, in addition, when i was comparing my knee to others, i had something in them that all of them did not have. I have this in both legs: i have a small bump below both of my knees, however, when i press the bump from the left leg, it hurts a bit, and it doesnt hurt when i press the bump from the right leg. In addition, i had knee pains 3 months ago and i feel that my legs are a bit heavy cuz of my knees so here are my qs:

1. what are these bumps?
2. will i continue to grow? did i stop growing?
3. do my knees suggest anything wrong in my body?
4. will i b ok?

Answer 1

Tibial tuberosity and we all have them.

Answer 2

You are, as a young adolescent, in the right age group for a orthopedic condition called Osgood-Schlatter disease.
You will definitely be ok.

During periods of rapid growth some changes can take place in the way your leg and knee work together, also some softening of the patellar (kneecap) cartilage can occur. Your leg may be turning a little when you run or go up and down stairs. This can cause pain and swelling under the kneecap, just where you describe.

Treatment consists of exercise to strengthen your quadriceps muscles (the large muscle on the front of your thigh), nsaids (like ibuprofen) for pain ,ice after exercise. For the time being avoid anything that makes your knee hurt.

You should see an orthopedist for consulation to avoid permanent damage to your kneecap.

As a 14 yr old male, I doubt you have completed your growth. I think if you look around at other kids' knees you'll find that many boys your age have knees that look a little too big for their body right now. As you grow and mature, they will look more proportionate to your body.

This is a VERY common condition. Please don't freak out over it. See your doctor and get his/her advice about proper strengthening exercises, follow that advice. You are definitely gonna be ok.

Answer 3

The bump below your kneecap is your tibial tuberosity; this is where the quadraceps that envelope your kneecap insert into the leg bone. When it hurts like you say, you likely have osteochondritis dessicans or OD. OD is caused when the tibial tuberosity, which ossifies at about your age, has trouble adhering to the tibia and there is inflammation; the inflammation (you might be able to feel some warmth) is what causes the pain when you press.
What to do about it?
Use an ace wrap
Don't press on it
Use ice to reduce the inflammation but no more than 20 min on at a time
Don't worry, it will likely get better in a few weeks IF you do not injure it

Answer 4

Just a few clarifications to previous good answers. Osteochondritis dessicans is a generic term and can occur is several areas of the body including the hand, foot, hip, and elbow. When OD involves the tibial tuberosity, the bump below the kneecap, it is referred to as Osgood Schlatter's disease. Recovery may take several months. It's more of an aggravation than a serious condition, but repetative injury to the area is best avoided for prompt recovery.

Answer 5

Have your doctor check them if you are worried. There is a condition called "Osgood Schlatter's Disease" that has symptoms like what you are describing. The link for information is below.

Answer 6

hi, as a person who was told i had an odd knee i didn't worrie about it. if you are still perplexed, see an orthopedic specialist. he or she will answer your concerns.

Answer 7

you know what they say about big kneecaps......