OSGOOD-SCHLATTER DISEASE
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a condition that can cause a lot of pain in the knee area among adolescents. The condition refers to inflammation in the spot right below the knee. The pain occurs in the area where the patellar tendon is attached to the shinbone.
What are the causes of Osgood-Schlatter disease?
The condition is most common among adolescents who are growing at a rapid rate. Individuals who experience a growth spurt in their early to mid teens may experience Osgood-Schlatter disease. Kids who are playing a lot of sports are more likely to suffer the condition, as they are putting more strain on the bones and muscles in the area.
What are the symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease?
The most common symptoms associated with Osgood-Schlatter include pain and tenderness in the knee. There may be swelling in the area too. If someone is experiencing a lot of tightness on the front or the back of their thigh, it may also be related to Osgood-Schlatter disease.
What are the treatment options for Osgood-Schlatter disease?
The first step for proper treatment of Osgood-Schlatter disease is to seek treatment from a sports medicine doctor. A child who is suffering from pain in and around their knee may want to get checked out to see if Osgood-Schlatter disease is the cause.
We recommend booking an appointment with Dr. Bob Meyer at the Spinal Rehab Sports Medicine clinic. Dr. Meyer helps athletes deal with numerous physical conditions through sports medicine. He also has experience helping young adults who may suffer from Osgood-Schlatter disease and many other sports injuries.
Dr. Meyer will examine the area, order an x-ray to get more information and recommend the best course of sports injury treatment. The treatment for this condition is all about reducing the pain and inflammation, which means a lot of rest, icing the area, elevating the leg and refraining from strenuous activity. Kids who play sports may need to take a break for a few weeks.