Osgood Schlatter Disease - Knee Pain during Adolescence

Osgood Schlatter Disease is a temporary condition related to the rapid growth spurts, combined with rigorous activity, often seen in adolescent children. Osgood Schlatter can occur to both boys and girls; however, it is more commonly seen in boys who participate in sports that involve running, kicking, and jumping. During these activities there is extra tension placed on the tissue that connects the knee to the tibia. As a result, the patellar tendon, or the tendon surrounding the kneecap, is pulled away from the bone, which causes pain and swelling around the knee.

The main symptoms of Osgood Schlatter Disease are:

Pain around the knee and upper shinbone.
Tightness and limited movement of the knee
Pain worsens during activity, and lessens during rest

Treatments for Osgood Schlatter Disease:

Unfortunately for young, active children the main treatment for Osgood Schlatter Disease is rest. Your child should abstain from the activities that contributed to his or her Osgood Schlatter Disease in order to let it heal. You can also use over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, to help alleviate the pain of Osgood Schlatter Disease. Cold compresses combined with elevation of the effected knee will also help speed the recovery process along. If your child is still experiencing pain from Osgood Schlatter Disease after a couple of weeks rest, it may be necessary to use crutches to lessen the pressure placed on the knee during walking.

Osgood Schlatter Disease: Knee Pain during Adolescence