The real question is why you have knee pain in the first place at such a young age. A common conditon seen in younger people who are just getting done growing is patellofemoral syndrome. If the knee cap is not tracking well, then the knee pain can be very significant especially when walking up and down hills or stairs. Maybe the knee joint is out of balance from weak muscles on one side and strong muscles pulling on the other. This scenario creates a movement impairment situation and joint pain.

Instead of seeing "my doctor" who is usually a family doctor who really does not understanding joint funtion very well, you should see a joint specialist: an orthopedist, a physiatrist, or even a really good physical therapist.

My question to you is: did "my doctor" actually look at the x-ray or just read the radiologists report? The importance of tying the entire story, the exam, the history and the xray together cannot be stressed enough. Find a doctor who can see the whole picture, you.

Dr. Christina Lasich MD