What is Osgood-Schlatter Disease/Syndrome?
Osgood-Schlatter syndrome is a common cause of knee pain often seen in active kids and young adults. It is characterized by pain and inflammation in patellar tendon and attachment on tibial tuberosity (lower part of anterior knee). In addition, there is often the formation of a firm bump in this area. The main cause of the pain and inflammation is due to tension and pulling of the patellar tendon on the growth plate located on the bone, most commonly in growing children usually 9-13 yrs old. When children are growing the growth plate is considered open/soft and does not harden/close until growth is completed. This is the area from which bone is formed causing the bone to lengthen and grow. When the child is growing, the patellar tendon can pull on the growth plate resulting in Osgood-Schlatter development. For this reason it is most often seen in boys due to their more rapid growth but is most commonly seen in any active, growing child that participates in sports such as basketball, tennis, soccer and running due to the high involvement during these activities.
Treatment Options:
At home treatment:
- Proper warm ups and cool downs before and after activity
- Icing following activity
- stretching of the quad muscles daily especially before and after activity
- NSAIDS if needed
Physiotherapist Treatment:
- Our Physiotherapists can help design Stretching and Exercise Programs specific to the patient. This will often include Quad stretches to reduce tension on patellar tendon and strengthening exercises to correct muscle imbalances that could be further contributing to the knee pain.
- Ultrasound as well as other rehab modalities can also be helpful to reduce pain and speed healing
- Taping of the knee with various taping techniques (K-tapping, leukotape etc.) can also be used to help provide some relief especially during activity
Bracing Options:
DONJOY Compex Webtech Knee Strap
The Donjoy Compex Webtech Knee Strap can help reduce pull and tension on tibial tuberosity in an attempt to reduce pain during activity. The effectiveness and comfort of this brace often depends on the level of tenderness of the tibial tuberosity.
Genumedi PSS
The Genumedi PSS is a new brace featured at Myodynamic Health. This brace provides zoned compression around the knee joint to reduce swelling of the patellar tendon and tibial tuberosity and has a built-in adjustable patellar strap to reduce tension of patellar tendon.
If you suspect that your child suffers from Osgood-Schlatter Knee Pain be sure to Book an Appointment for a consultation with our Physiotherapists and/or Pedorthist for more information.