OSGOOD-SCHLATTER DISEASE

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common overuse injury of the knee seen in preteens and teenagers. It causes pain in the knee that is worse with exercise or sports. In the past, it was more common in boys. With more girls active in sports, it is also becoming more common in girls.

The cause is thought to be an inflammation where the tendon from the knee cap connects to the shin bone. It usually happens at a time when the bone is growing fast. It is most common when teens and preteens are in sports that involve jumping and cutting. Some of these sports are basketball, volleyball, soccer, and skating. It is usually in one knee but both knees may have it about a quarter of the time.

There is usually pain in the front of the shin just below the knee cap. There may be a bump or swelling in this same area. The pain can be mild knee pain just during a sports activity or the pain can be all the time. The pain should not be ignored. The teen needs to see a healthcare provider to find out if Osgood-Schlatter disease is the cause of the pain.

The provider will examine the knee and may have x-rays taken to rule out other causes of the pain. The main treatment is rest. Rest may mean no weight bearing on that leg. It could also mean that the teen may be allowed to walk but will not be able to play sports for several weeks or months. When sports are started again, they will need to be at a lower level of training. Putting a cloth-covered ice pack on the knee after the sport or exercise can help the pain. The ice pack should not be put on the knee for longer than 20 minutes at a time. The provider may or may not suggest taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine for the pain. Before returning to active sports, exercises to make the knee stronger may help. In rare cases, a knee brace may be needed if the teen is unable to stay off the knee.

As the teen gets older and past the growth spurt, Osgood-Schlatter disease goes away and there is no longer a problem. It usually takes about 6 to 24 months. The best way to avoid the pain of Osgood-Schlatter disease is to use exercise to build muscle strength and avoid over training.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File BONE3442.RF2 VRS# 7629 Data Version 7.0