Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Osgood-Schlatter disease is an overuse condition. It’s when the tendon at the front of a knee pulls on the front of the growth plate in the shin bone (the tibia) and causes pain and inflammation of the growth plate where the patella tendon attaches to the bone (tibial tubercle). This tendon connects the thigh muscles to the knee and shin bone at the growth plate in growing children.

Causes of Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Osgood-Schlatter disease is caused by the constant pulling of the tendon at the growth plate which causes the bone and growth plate to become inflammed and painful. It's seen in growing children and teens. This is an age where the bones are typically growing faster than the muscles and tendons. As a result, the muscles and tendons tend to become tight.

Children Who Are at Risk for Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Osgood-Schlatter disease is common in young athletes who play games or sports that involve running, jumping, or going up and down stairs. These include football, soccer, basketball, gymnastics, or ballet. It most often affects children ages 9 to 14 who have undergone a rapid growth spurt.

Symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter Disease

In some cases, both knees will have symptoms. One knee may have more symptoms than the other. The following are common symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease. Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. Symptoms may include:

• Pain and tenderness below the knee
• Swelling below the knee
• Tight muscles in the front or back of the thigh
• Limping (may get worse following jumping activities)

These symptoms may seem like other health problems of the knee. See your child’s healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

Diagnosing Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Your child’s healthcare provider can diagnose Osgood-Schlatter disease with a complete health history and physical exam of your child’s knee. Your child may also need to have an X-ray of the affected knee.

Treating Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

The goal of treatment is to control your child’s knee pain and prevent the condition from getting worse. Treatment may include:

• RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation)
• Medicines such as anti-inflammatories for discomfort and swelling
• Bracing such as patellar strap (Chopat Strap) or patellar stabilizing brace. Taping with kineso tape (KT tape) can also be helpful in some situations.
• Limits on activity
• Physical therapy to help stretch and strengthen the thigh and leg muscles

Osgood-Schlatter disease almost always goes away once your child's bones stop growing. In rare cases, your child may need surgery.

How to Prevent Osgood-Schlatter Disease in Your Child

Your child can develop Osgood-Schlatter disease again. To prevent that from happening, have your child:

• Do exercises to work on flexibility and to strengthen the thigh and leg muscles. Your child’s healthcare provider may recommend certain exercises or physical therapy.
• Ice the knee area after being active. It can ease pain and swelling. To make an ice pack, put ice cubes in a plastic bag that seals at the top. Wrap the bag in a clean, thin towel or cloth. Never put ice or an ice pack directly on the skin.