Osgood-Schlatter disease is a condition of an overuse injury that occurs in the knees r of growing children and adolescents. This is caused by inflammation of the patellar tendon located below the kneecap. Children and adolescents who participate in soccer, gymnastics, basketball, and distance running are at higher risk of this disease.
Outdoor sports activities that involve a lot of running and jumping may cause stress on the thigh muscles which pull the patellar tendon that connects the kneecap to the tibia. Repeated stress can cause the tendon to move away from the tibia which results in pain and swelling of the affected knee. In some cases, the body may try to close the gap with new bone growth which results in a bony lump in that region.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Osgood-Schlatter disease includes review of symptoms and medical history. The main symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease include knee pain, swelling and tenderness below the knee cap.
The physician will perform a thorough examination and will check the patient’s knee for pain, swelling, and inflammation. An X-ray or MRI scan may be ordered to view images of the bones of the knee and examine in detail the area of the affected tendons and tibia.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and swelling. The treatment includes the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. Physical therapy may include strengthening exercises for the thigh muscles to help stabilize the knee joint. The symptoms associated with Osgood-Schlatter disease may completely disappear following periods of rapid growth.