CHECK-UP: What is Osgood-Schlatter disease? My son seems to have developed it through sports.
Osgood-Schlatter disease is inflammation of the bone and cartilage at the top of the tibia or shin bone. It is thought to be caused by excessive, repetitive pulling by the patellar tendon of the kneecap where it attaches at the point called the tibial tubercle. Symptoms can include pain, swelling and tenderness just below the kneecap. The level of pain can vary greatly with some experiencing only mild discomfort when performing certain activities such as climbing the stairs, jumping or running. For others, however, pain may be severe and constant. The pain typically worsens with activity and is relieved with rest.
Tightness of the surrounding muscles, especially in the quadriceps (the main thigh muscles), may also develop. The condition can occur in one or both knees.
Our doctor made the diagnosis just by examining my son’s knee. I thought he would need to have it X-rayed to be sure.
In most cases X-rays are not usually required to make a diagnosis of Osgood-Schlatter disease. They may, however, be recommended if the pain and swelling is extensive or if the knee is red and warm.
If an X-ray is performed it may show an enlarged tibial tubercle, or there may be evidence that it has broken into small fragments. X-rays help to rule out another injury or inflammatory condition.
Apart from resting when the pain is bad, is there anything else that can be done to speed up his recovery?
The condition usually resolves over several weeks or months, without treatment. However, where symptoms are severe your doctor may recommend non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs for the pain. Resting the knee and the application of ice may help reduce pain and swelling.
Physiotherapy may be recommended for stretching and strengthening exercises, and to help stabilise the knee joint.
In some cases, it is advisable to avoid strenuous or excessive exercises, particularly ones that involve deep knee bending.
While many children with Osgood Schlatter disease can continue to play sports, this advice applies to them too, particularly in regard to knee bending.
For some, a patellar tendon strap which fits around the leg just below the kneecap can help if worn during exercise. Switching to other activities, such as swimming or cycling, may be recommended until symptoms subside.
