Home :: Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Causes

• Repeated, overzealous conditioning routines, such as running, jumping or jogging.
• Overweight.

Signs and symptoms

The following are the most common symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease. However, each adolescent may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• tenderness below the knee
• swelling around the knee
• limping (may worsen following activities)

The symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease may resemble other conditions or medical problems of the knee. Always consult your adolescent's physician for a diagnosis.

Diagnosis

A doctor can make a diagnosis during a physical examination. A bone x-ray may be normal, may show soft tissue swelling, or may demonstrate fragmentation of the the tibial tubercle.

Treatment

Medical Treatment - Not necessary for mild cases. For moderate or severe cases, the knee may be immobilized with a cast for approximately 2 months.

Medication

• For minor discomfort, you may use non-prescription drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
• Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroid injections if other treatment fails. Injection may weaken tendons. Avoid them if possible to allow the condition more time to heal with rest and simpler treatment.

Home Treatment

• Use heat to relieve pain. Warm compresses, heating pads, warm whirlpool baths and heat lamps are effective.
• Wear a knee pad below the knee during exercise.
• Apply ice to the affected area immediately before and after exercise (if your doctor has cleared you for increased activity).
• Avoid kneeling.

Prevention

• Help an overweight child or adolescent lose weight.
• Encourage your child to exercise moderately, avoiding extremes.
• Being properly warmed up before engaging in athletics and performing cooling down exercises afterward also may help.
• Avoiding overuse -- for example, excessive running such as training for a marathon -- may be helpful.