Osgood-Schlatter Disease
What is It?
Osgood-Schlatter disease can cause a painful, bony bump on the shinbone just below the knee. It usually occurs in children and adolescents experiencing growth spurts during puberty.
Osgood-Schlatter disease occurs most often in children who participate in sports that involve running, jumping and swift changes of direction — such as soccer, basketball, figure skating and ballet.
While the condition was once more common in boys, the gender gap has narrowed as more girls have become involved with sports.
Osgood-Schlatter disease typically occurs in boys ages 12 to 14 and girls ages 10 to 13. The difference is because girls enter puberty earlier than do boys. The condition usually resolves on its own once the child’s bones stop growing
Causes
Some of the causes of Osgood-Schlatter syndrome may include:
- Growth spurt – the condition tends to affect adolescent children. Affected boys are often aged about 13 to 14 years, while affected girls are often aged 10 to11 years.
- Exercise – active children, particularly those engaged in athletics and sports, are at increased risk.
- Gender – boys are more susceptible than girls, but perhaps this is because boys typically play more vigorous sports.
- Injury – around half of all children with the condition report a prior knee injury.
Treatment
Osgood-Schlatter syndrome usually resolves by itself within 12 months. However, the knee may remain uncomfortable until growing finishes.
Treatment options include:
Orthotics
The Podiatry Experts can prescribe a custom-made orthotic to align the foot correctly, providing comfort and stability. This will reduce the tension placed on the patella tendon attaching to the shin bone.
Foot Mobilisation
Mobilising the feet consists of moving specific joints and structures in a specific manner toward an improved functional alignment. Mobilisation of the feet is performed by a trained practitioner in a similar manner to the way a chiropractor or manipulative physiotherapist mobilises other joints of the body.
Laser Theraphy
Cold laser therapy is low-intensity laser therapy that stimulates healing while using low levels of light.
Other Treatments include:
- Activity modification or relative rest – completely avoiding activities that are painful for at least a couple of weeks followed by gradual return to activity guided by symptom levels
- Ice
- Stretching quadriceps muscles
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Patella tendon strap
What you should do next?
- If you think you have Osgood Sclatters disease and would like to seek help, then book an appointment with us today. We will give an initial biomechanical analysis and discuss further solutions.
- Book an initial biomechanical appointment online today!
- Remember - the harder it will be to treat if you don’t solve the problem as soon as possible.
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