A diagnosis of Osgood-Schlatter disease is usually made based on a physical examination and sometimes x-rays. The growth plates of the tibia (shinbone) become fragile and can break if they are exposed to stress during rapid growth. This condition is part of a group of disorders called osteochondroses. It can occur in children and adolescents, especially those who are highly active.
Treatment for Osgood-Schlatter disease focuses on pain and swelling, which are the primary symptoms of the condition. Symptoms typically resolve over several weeks or months, depending on the age of the child and the severity of the disorder.
Risk factors for Osgood-Schlatter disease include participation in sports that involve a lot of running and jumping, such as soccer and basketball. These activities can cause the tibial tubercle to become irritated and inflamed at its point of attachment to the patellar tendon, leading to a bump on the knee.
When Osgood-Schlatter disease is diagnosed, it’s important to take measures to reduce the pain and swelling in the affected knee. The first step is to rest the knee from any activity that aggravates the pain and swelling.
You can also use ice to help relieve swelling and tenderness. In addition, you can also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, to reduce pain and inflammation.
Other treatments include rest, stretching, and taking a break from certain activities when you feel pain in your knee. These treatments will help you get relief from Osgood-Schlatter disease and prevent it from coming back in the future.
Using a brace to support the knee can help ease the pain caused by Osgood-Schlatter disease. A brace is designed to support the knee and prevent bending, which can increase pressure on the tibial tubercle.
Wearing a knee brace may also be helpful to reduce the chance of recurrent Osgood-Schlatter disease in adults. If you have Osgood-Schlatter disease and would like to learn more about knee supports, talk with your doctor.
A physical therapist can help you perform specific exercises that can help you reduce the pain and discomfort of Osgood-Schlatter disease. The therapist will instruct you on how to exercise safely, so you don’t damage your knee further.
Stretching: Regularly stretching your quadriceps (thigh muscles) can help you stay flexible and keep them loose. Tight quadriceps can make the pain and inflammation worse for a person with Osgood-Schlatter disease.
Attending physical therapy: Your doctor may recommend a physical therapist to help you with Osgood-Schlatter disease. During your therapy sessions, the physical therapist will provide specific exercises to strengthen the muscles that are affected by Osgood-Schlatter disease.
Preventing Osgood-Schlatter disease: Participating in sports that do not put a lot of stress on the knees, such as swimming and running, is also an important way to prevent the condition. You can also avoid the pain and inflammation by wearing supportive athletic shoes that have good shock absorption.
Surgery: In extreme cases, surgery can be done to remove the bony bump that forms on the tibia and relieve the pain of Osgood-Schlatter disease. However, this procedure is not recommended in most patients because it can cause complications and long-term disability.
