Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Overview: Osgood-Schlatter disease causes pain and swelling below the knee, often with inflammation of the patellar tendon. It primarily affects young athletes engaged in sports that involve a lot of jumping and running.

Causes

-Osgood-Schlatter disease is caused by irritation of the bone growth plate, which is made of cartilage in children and weaker than bone.

-The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the shinbone’s growth plate, and tension from the quadriceps muscles pulling on the patella puts stress on this area.

-Activities like squatting, bending, running uphill, and repeated leg extensions can cause pain and swelling at the growth plate.

-Bumping, kneeling, or hitting the tender area can also be very painful.

Treatment

-Osgood-Schlatter disease typically resolves with rest and time, requiring reduced running, jumping, and knee-bending until symptoms improve.

-Athletes can use kneepads and patellar tendon straps to reduce stress on the knee, and applying ice packs after activity can help with pain and swelling.

-Returning to sports depends on pain tolerance, and playing with some pain won't harm the knee.

-Stretching exercises for the quadriceps and hamstrings may be recommended, along with pain relief medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

-If pain persists and affects daily activities, further rest from sports should be considered.