Osgood-Schlatter Disease

What is Osgood-Schlatter Disease?

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a condition frequently found in active adolescents. It is due to the different parts of the legs growing and changing. Osgood-Schlatter’s occurs because of overuse of the quadriceps muscle. This overuse causes stress in the area where the patella tendon attaches to the tibia (shinbone). Because the tibia is still growing, it can’t handle the stress being placed on it and becomes inflamed. The area where the patella tendon attaches to the tibia has a growth plate, and the repeated stress from the patella tendon pulls on this growth plate. This causes pain and swelling in the area right below the knee. Sometimes the body also lays down new bone in this area, which can result in a bony lump below the knee. 

When does it happen?

Osgood Schlatter’s happens while children are going through puberty and growth spurts. It tends to happen in girls aged 10-13 and boys aged 12-14. Usually it occurs in children that are involved in sports, especially those that involve a lot of running, jumping, and quickly changing directions. It usually only occurs in one knee but can occur in both knees. Symptoms can last for weeks to months, and can be recurring while the child is still growing. 

What can you do to help reduce the effects of Osgood-Schlatter Disease?

• Chiropractic – chiropractors are able to adjust the knee joint to make sure the joint is moving and functioning correctly. This can limit the amount of stress that is being placed on the joint, therefore decreasing inflammation, and speeding up healing times. 
• Rest – when the joint is inflamed your child may need to limit the amount of activities they are doing that could be aggravating the joint. 
• Ice – if the joint is inflamed, ice will help to reduce pain and swelling. 
• Stretching – stretching out the quadricep muscle can help to reduce the amount of stress they are putting on the tibia through the patella tendon. 
• Exercises – exercises that strengthen the quadriceps can help to stabilise the knee joint. This will reduce the amount of stress on the joint.

To find out more about how Revolution’s chiropractic care can help kids with conditions just like Osgood Schlatter’s, click here