Especially in growing children and adolescents, Osgood schlatter disease causes pain and swelling in the front of the knee. As a result of overuse or stress, the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone becomes inflamed or irritated. In sports like soccer, basketball, or volleyball, children with Osgood schlatter disease are more likely to run, jump, and bend their knees. When a growth spurt is over, Osgood schlatter disease usually disappears with rest, ice, pain relievers, and stretching exercises.
It is caused by repeated stress or tension on the growth plate near the top of the shinbone that leads to osgood schlatter disease. This soft cartilage allows the bone to grow longer during puberty. As a result, the growth plate becomes weaker and more prone to injury during puberty. During physical activities involving the knee, such as running, jumping, and kneeling, the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone pulls on the growth plate, resulting in inflammation and pain. A small bump can also form under the kneecap as a result of inflammation.
Osgood Schlatter disease is associated with the following factors:
It usually occurs between the ages of 10 and 15 for boys, and between the ages of 8 and 13 for girls, during the growth spurts of adolescence.
Boys tend to grow faster and have more muscle mass than girls, so Osgood Schlatter disease is more common in boys.
Sports that involve the knee, such as soccer, basketball, or volleyball, are more likely to cause Osgood Schlatter disease in children.
In children with tight muscles or tendons in the front or back of the thigh, Osgood Schlatter disease is more common.
Symptoms of osgood schlatter disease include pain in the front of the knee, below the kneecap. The pain can be mild or severe, depending on the level of activity.
Jumps, runs, or bends the knees
Squats or kneels
Stairs or hills must be climbed
After sitting for a long time, stands up
Osgood Schlatter disease may also cause the following symptoms:
Knee swelling or redness
Kneecap bumps or lumps
Knee stiffness or reduced range of motion
Walking with a limp or difficulty
As part of the diagnosis of osgood schlatter disease, the doctor will ask the child about the symptoms, when they started, how often they occur, and what makes them better or worse. As well as asking about the child's medical history, the doctor will also inquire about his or her level of activity and participation in sports. Additionally, the doctor will perform a physical examination, which includes:
Checking for swelling, redness, or tenderness in the knee
Feeling for lumps or bumps on the knee
Checking for stiffness or reduced range of motion in the knee
Checking the leg length and thigh circumference for any differences
To confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of knee pain, the doctor may order some tests:
The X-ray can show the bone structure and any abnormalities in the growth plate or knee joint
In a knee ultrasound, the soft tissues and any inflammation or fluid can be seen
An MRI can show detailed images of the bone, cartilage, tendon, and surrounding tissues
Treatment of osgood schlatter disease involves relieving pain and inflammation, and allowing the growth plate to heal. The treatment may include:
Rest means avoiding or limiting activities that cause or worsen pain, such as running, jumping, or kneeling
Cold packs or frozen peas can be applied to the knee several times a day for 15 to 20 minutes to reduce swelling and pain
To relieve pain and inflammation, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Exercises that stretch the muscles and tendons on the front and back of the thigh to increase knee flexibility and blood flow
Physiotherapy involves working with a physical therapist to strengthen the muscles and tendons around the knee, and to correct any posture or movement problems that may be contributing to it.
Straps or braces, which support the knee and relieve the tendon and growth plate stress
Surgical removal of inflamed or damaged tissue or a bony bump is done when pain is severe or persistent, and no other treatment works.
Some measures can be taken to reduce the risk or severity of Osgood schlatter disease, such as:
Preparing the muscles and tendons for stress and preventing injuries and strains by warming up and cooling down before and after physical activity
Maintaining the flexibility and elasticity of the muscles and tendons in the front and back of the thigh by stretching regularly
Reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of activities that involve the knee, such as running, jumping, or kneeling, to avoid overuse or excessive stress on the knee.
Wearing the appropriate shoes, pads, or braces, and following the instructions and guidance of a coach or trainer to prevent any knee injury or damage
To allow the muscles and tendons to recover and heal from fatigue and stress, take breaks and rest
Supporting bone growth and growth plate health by eating a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
