Osgood-Schlatter Disease – The Symptoms and Causes Explained

Osgood-Schlatter disease is incredibly common, yet many of us won’t have even heard of it until we encounter a case in our own lives. For many young adolescents, it can be a painful condition that drastically affects regular physical routines. So, what exactly is Osgood-Schlatter disease? What does it look like, and who does it affect? Read on to discover more about this condition, how to spot it and the best way to treat it without causing any further damage.

This blog is an introduction to Osgood-Schlatter disease, providing insight into the basics of the condition. If you’re concerned about you or a loved one having developed Osgood-Schlatter disease, or if you are suffering from any other knee pain, reach out to Northern Districts Physiotherapy today for some personalised advice.

What is Osgood-Schlatter Disease?

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common source of knee pain for children and adolescents still growing. The condition causes inflammation just below the knee joint, where the kneecap’s tendon (patellar tendon) attaches to the very top of the shinbone (tibia).

The disease often develops during growth spurts, as this is a time where the entire body (muscles, bones, tendons, and other key physical structures) are rapidly developing and changing.

Any added physical activity puts natural stress on the body, and during these vulnerable growth periods adolescents go through they can develop Osgood-Schlatter disease.

Symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Osgood-Schlatter disease can occur in one or both of the knees, with one potentially being worse than the other. Most commonly, people with the condition will find that the painful symptoms will be brought on by running, jumping, or participating in other physically exerting activities. The symptoms typically experienced include:

Swelling where the tendon meets the top of the shinbone
Knee pain and tenderness
Tight muscles throughout the leg

Common Causes of the Disease

As mentioned, Osgood-Schlatter disease is usually experienced by adolescents going through significant body growth and changes. Even further than that, the condition is most commonly found in athletes or those engaging with regular, rigorous physical activity that involves running, jumping, or other stress to the knee.

These activities increase the chances of a growing body overexerting and developing Osgood-Schlatter disease. Whilst less active adolescents may very well experience the disease, athletic children are at especially high risk.

Treatment for Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Typically, Osgood-Schlatter disease is something that will ease with patience and rest. In time, the inflammation will dissipate, and a child will be back in top condition to be participating in all the physical activities they usually do. However, it’s important to take it easy as you wait for the condition to subside, as to best prevent any further damage. Until any swelling, pain, and discomfort have passed, it is best to avoid any sports or physical activities that demand running, jumping, bending, or other strain to the knees.

Every patient is different, and the length of the healing process is entirely dependent on the pain tolerance of the individual adolescent. Playing with some pain will not be necessarily damaging, and using icepacks after activities can be a great way to manage pain levels whilst getting back into the routine of regular physical exertion. Good stretching routines can help to treat pain related to Osgood-Schlaffer disease, and regular anti-inflammatory/pain relief medication can be taken.

Book an Appointment to Check for Osgood-Schlatter Disease

It may be common, but Osgood-Schlatter disease can be painful and difficult to experience. If you’re concerned about a potential case, or simply want to assess knee pain to know for sure, taking it to a healthcare professional is an easy way to rest assured that you know everything is being treated as it should.

At Northern Districts Physiotherapy, we have plenty of experience across Osgood-Schlatter disease and a variety of other common causes of knee pain, and we are ready to help figure out what the cause of pain may be and what the best treatment plan is. Contact us today to book an appointment and get to the bottom of your pain before it gets any worse.