OVERVIEW

What Is Osgood-Schlatter Disease?

The tendon below your kneecap (called the patellar tendon) attaches to the tibial tuberosity on the shinbone (called the tibia).

When this tendon becomes inflamed at the tibial tuberosity site, it can result in Osgood-Schlatter disease.

Osgood-Schlatter disease is an overuse injury of the knee, common in growing adolescents.

Osgood-Schlatter disease causes

Osgood-Schlatter disease is an inflammation caused by the constant pulling of the patellar tendon on the area below your knee where the tendon attaches.

Osgood-Schlatter disease risk factors

At risk for Osgood-Schlatter disease are young athletes who play sports such:

• Soccer
• Gymnastics
• Basketball
• Cross-country and long distance running

SYMPTOMS

Osgood-Schlatter disease symptoms

Symptoms of Osgood-Schlitter disease often include knee problems, such as:

• Pain below the knee
• Tenderness to touch the ‘bump’ under the knee cap
• Swelling

Sometimes the inflamed tendon in your knee may pull a tiny piece of the bone away from the shin.

Osgood-Schlatter disease diagnosis

Your physician can diagnose this knee problem by asking about your symptoms and conducting a physical exam.

Your physician may do an x-ray to rule out any other knee injuries or problems.

TREATMENT

Osgood-Schlatter disease treatment goals

Main treatment goals for Osgood-Schlatter disease are to:

• Control your knee pain.
• Limit any activities that could worsen the condition.

Treatment options for Osgood-Schlatter disease

Osgood-Schlatter disease treatments can include:

• P.R.I.C.E. (protect, rest, ice, compression, elevation)..
• Knee.braces
• Physiotherapy and prescribed exercises for the thigh and leg muscles.

Osgood-Schlatter disease rarely requires surgery to treat symptoms.

Osgood-Schlatter disease prevention

You might not be able to prevent Osgood-Schlatter disease, but you may be able to lower your risk of getting it.

A few tips on how to prevent your risk of Osgood-Schlatter disease include:

• Modifying your activities.
• Stretching your leg muscles.
• Performing regular lower body strengthening exercises.

 

 

 

Content supplemented by UPMC Sports Medicine