Question
A 18-year-old male noticed some stiffness in his right knee upon waking up in the morning. There is no issue with walking or climbing stairs, but he experiences pain in the knee when squatting or sitting down, which disappears when maintaining a squatting position. This pain is more noticeable in the morning but eases up in the evening, although it still persists. Concerned it might be lupus, he sought consultation.
Answer
This kind of pain might be due to overexertion and is considered “deficiency syndrome” in traditional Chinese medicine. However, lupus is more commonly seen in women and is often associated with estrogen levels. For your situation, there is no need to worry excessively. It is suggested to try traditional Chinese medicine to understand if it is a growth pain. Growth pains can have a significant impact on children, so parents should take their children to a regular hospital for a consultation immediately upon discovering symptoms and pay attention to their diet. It is recommended to have a light diet and avoid spicy and irritating foods. It is hoped that the child can receive professional treatment and recover.