Last reviewed: September 29, 2026

Often not completely.

Pain around or behind the kneecap is common in teens (patellofemoral pain). It is more common in girls who play sports. It is often worse with squatting, stairs, running, jumping, and sitting a long time.

It usually has more than one cause. Part of it can be how the leg is built. The thighbone may be turned inward, the shinbone may be turned outward, the knees may point in (knock knees), or the kneecap and its groove may be shaped differently. These change how the kneecap slides. Weak thigh muscles and heavy activity add to it.

The pain usually gets better, but often does not go away completely. When teen girls were followed for about 16 years, about 7 in 10 were better than at the start, and most still played sports. But only about 1 in 5 had no pain at all. It may raise the chance of arthritis behind the kneecap later in life, but this has not been proven.

What helps is cutting back the activities that hurt for a while, then doing exercises for the thigh and hip muscles, then going back to sport step by step. With this plan, about 8 in 10 teens were better a year later. Some were not better after a month but improved later. Shoe inserts may help. It is not clear whether knee sleeves, braces or tape help.

When the bones are turned a lot, exercises may not be enough. A doctor can check how the thighbone and shinbone are turned. Surgery to correct the turn is an option for teens who do not improve with other care.

In general:

  • Cut back what hurts for a while, then build back up step by step.
  • Stick with the thigh and hip exercises, even if the knee is not better after a month.
  • If it does not improve, ask your teen’s doctor to check how the thighbone and shinbone are turned.

Drafted with AI assistance from published sources, reviewed and edited by Babak Sheikh, MD.

Sources:

This is general information about what published research shows. It is not medical advice and it is not about your situation. Reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship with me. I am a retired orthopedic surgeon and I do not see patients. Talk with your own doctor before changing anything about your care. If something feels suddenly or seriously wrong, get medical care promptly rather than waiting.

This page is provided as is. I make no guarantee that it is accurate, complete or current, and medical evidence changes. Use of it is at your own risk.

Published by Clinical Evidence Media LLC. Full disclaimer and how these answers are researched: Disclaimer and how these answers are made