Knee Pain in an Adolescent Female With Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S): A Case Report

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) is a common condition without clear guidelines for treatment. This case discusses the effect of nutritional counseling on an adolescent female with a history of bilateral knee pain who returned to all functional activities. CASE PRESENTATION: A 14-year-old female with a history of bilateral knee pain completed 6-weeks of physical therapy with a focus on nutritional education and low-intensity exercises. At baseline, the patient presented with undernutrition, bilateral hip weakness, knee pain, and limited physical function. OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP: After 6 weeks of physical therapy, the patient increased her caloric intake and had clinical improvements in hip strength, physical function, weight gain, and a resolution of pain. DISCUSSION: The addition of nutritional counseling and assessment of diet may be valuable in adolescents with knee pain with underlying RED-S. Further research is needed.