Pain in stride knee

I recently posted a video”DD 06 pitching evaluation needed”. I got some really good advice on mechanical flaws that I was just not seeing. She made the adjustments needed and at this point I am satisfied with her form. I told her no more changes for now just get used to pitching with this form and have fun. “She hates when I change things”. Rolling along in her 1st tournament shutting the other team down. We are up 8-0 last inning inning she strikes out 2nd batter when I notice her limping back to the rubber. Last batter up to plate 3 swinging strikes. Gloves go up in the air and my DD standing in the circle holding her knee crying. So one of the corrections we made in her form was to go from a heel striker to pointing toe more and landing on ball of foot. Which immediately cleared up the lower back pain she was starting to complain about. However now this new pain which was just above and below her left knee “RHP”. We iced and rested. My question is has anyone else experienced this problem I’m chalking it up to 12yr old growing joints and needs more muscle growth to support the new weight distribution from hams to quads. But just in case I’m wrong which has been happening more often lately. I want to ask for opinions.

Laph,

It's not uncommon for pitchers to develop "Jumpers knee" (common in sports where there is a pounding taking place, like the stride leg landing hard on the ground). It's very painful. Mine required surgery, although if caught early it can be helped with building muscles around the knee. I let mine go until I needed surgery.... not my suggested plan. Is the pain directly UNDER the knee cap? That's where Jumpers knee (patella tendinitis) will live.

Bill

This was mostly just above patella I think in tendons and she also pointed just below patella at attaching point. She woke up next morning went to school said it hasn’t bothered her since. I have a neoprene knee brace I thought about letting her wear only in game until she builds these thigh muscles up. We have a 2 week break so at least I have some time to keep an eye on her. Thank you for the info that this could turn into something more serious.

If she is doing any squatting in PE even on air or any exercises, make sure she is pushing her knees out. DD's are starting to change and it is very easy for the knee cap to get off track.

Keep a close eye on that knee. It could be something that strength, conditioning and proper mechanics will take care off. On the other hand, it could be something more serious. If the pain persists, see a good ortho. Also, keep in the back of your mind an uncommon but quite problematic condition called osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osteochondritis_dissecans A good ortho will know about this.