Knee issue at a young age

Obviously it could be a lot of things, but the following immediately come to mind:

1. possibly patellofemoral syndrome - pretty common among females because of Q-angles (hips, knees, tibia). In this condition, the kneecap doesn't track correctly in the femoral groove. This can cause pain on it's own, or exacerbate chondromalacia patella.

2. chondromalacia patella - softening of the cartilage under the knee cap. "Creaking" is a common sign for this condition. Again, usually caused from weakness in the quad muscle (inner most quad) and/or misalignment.

3. Tendinitis - either the quadriceps or patellar tendon

This condition usually responds well to physical therapy and strengthening of the VMO (vastus medialis oblique/innermost quad muscle). Knee sleeves (patellar stabilizers - sleeves with the holes for the knee) and anti-inflammatories are also beneficial.

Check with your PCP (primary care provider), ortho, PT (physical therapist), or ATC (athletic trainer).

Good luck!

I have the same thing and am off to PT today. I'll let you know if I find out anything useful. I went to PCP last week and he referred me. I have had this since may. I first noticed it more when I got a new car, a stick shift, it was hurting my left knee when I used the clutch. I've trained without much pain, just discomfort for a few months, then all of a sudden about 2 miles into a run my knee would get week, esp if I turned a corner, went off a curb etc. I've been bad at resting it, so I plan to take the week off (it's a bummer because this is the middle of fall tri season here) and see what the PT says.