Understanding Anterior Knee Pain in Teenagers: Growth, Puberty & Physiotherapy

Knee pain is one of the most common reasons teenagers step back from sport or activity. It might show up as a dull ache at the front of the knee, or a sharp pain below the kneecap.

Parents are often told “don’t worry, they’ll grow out of it” — but research shows this wait-and-see approach can leave young people with ongoing pain, loss of confidence, and reduced participation in the activities they love.

So why does it happen? During growth and puberty, bones grow quickly while muscles and tendons struggle to keep up. Hormonal changes, busy sporting loads, and developing coordination all put extra pressure on the knees. The result? Conditions like patellofemoral pain, Osgood-Schlatter disease, and Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome — common but very treatable with the right support.

Physiotherapy helps teenagers stay active by:

• Pinpointing the cause of pain with clear assessment.

• Building strength in hips, thighs, and core to protect growing joints.

• Improving movement patterns like landing, squatting, and running.

• Balancing sport and recovery, so they don’t have to stop everything.

• Reassuring and empowering teens to understand their pain and keep moving confidently.

The takeaway? Anterior knee pain in teens is common, but not something to ignore. With early, active management, your child can recover, rebuild confidence, and keep enjoying the activities they love.

Why Paediatric Physio is Awesome!

At Nurture Paediatrics, we know kids aren’t just small adults—their growing bodies and minds need care designed just for them. Our paediatric physiotherapy is about more than exercises; it’s about empowering tamariki and whānau with understanding, support, and fun, evidence-based therapy. From injuries and pain to long-term conditions, we help children feel confident in their bodies, return to the activities they love, and build lifelong strength and resilience.

“Driving You Up the Walls? Let Them Draw on Them!”
Why vertical drawing might be the best post-holiday activity for your child’s development

Discover how vertical drawing can build strength, coordination, fine motor skills, and creativity—while keeping little ones off screens and happily engaged after the holidays."

Tiptoes, Flat Feet and Funny Steps: Understanding Toddler Foot Development

Once children get past those wobbly first steps, they often develop some interesting walking patterns to get themselves around. They may look funny to you or me — but how can you tell what’s normal and when to worry?

Little Feet, Big Questions: What’s Normal in Baby Foot Development?

If having a new baby wasn’t enough of a minefield, the world of baby foot conditions can bring up even more questions (and worry) for parents. Do their feet turn in? Or out? Do they have funny-looking toes? Or are you just so sleep-deprived that everything’s starting to look a little hazy?

The truth is, newborn feet are very different from those of older children or adults, and it’s perfectly normal to notice a few quirks. So, what’s considered normal—and when should you seek advice?

18,333 Kilometres Apart, Still Growing Alike

A physiotherapist’s reflection on the universality of childhood movement

When I moved from Wales to New Zealand, I expected a lot to be different—accents, weather, landscapes. But one thing stayed remarkably the same: how children move.

From rolling to crawling, sitting to walking, the movement patterns of children on opposite sides of the world are beautifully alike. Despite cultural differences and climate contrasts, the way a child’s brain and body grow and learn is universal.

This realisation deepened my fascination with child development. Movement, it turns out, is more than physical—it's how the brain builds itself. From a newborn's reflexive grip to a toddler's confident steps, every wiggle, wobble, and stretch is laying down vital brain pathways.

No matter where they are born, children grow with the same astonishing magic. And for those of us lucky enough to witness it every day, it’s a reminder of just how incredible development really is.

When your child gets the “all clear” after having a cast removed from their leg, it’s a moment of relief and celebration. But for many families, what follows can be unexpectedly challenging. You might have been told your child is now fine to walk… but they refuse to stand, hobble on tiptoes, or keep asking to be carried. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone.

At Nurture Paediatrics, we regularly support tamariki and their families through this very phase – helping children retake confident steps (literally!) after a fracture. This blog will guide you through what’s going on, why your child might be anxious or reluctant, and what you can do to help – practically, gently, and playfully.

Helping Kids Understand Pain: Why Metaphors, Education & Family Support Matter

When a child is in pain, their response is often misunderstood as overreaction. But what looks like “catastrophising” is usually a normal, developmentally appropriate reaction to fear and uncertainty. At Nurture Paediatrics, we use child-friendly education tools—including metaphors like the pain control console—to help tamariki (and their whānau) understand the complexity of pain and take confident steps toward recovery.

Learn how we’re transforming pain care for children through connection, clarity, and compassionate communication.