Osgood Schlatter Knee Pain
Knee pain is common during adolescence. A physician should examine every athlete with knee pain to rule
out dangerous reasons for the pain. But usually, if there was no trauma- the knee pain can be resolved with
exercises and physical therapy.
There are multiple reasons for knee pain- some are from injuries, other from poor mechanics, and still
others from over-training. Athletes that are still growing may have pain for different reasons than adults. This
must be determined by a medical professional.
Osgood Schlatter's is pain at the front of one or both knees in both males and females. The area is about one
inch below the kneecap. It occurs in growing children around the age of ten to fifteen years old. The tendon
that goes from the knee cap to the tibia is stretched. It is tender to touch and begins to hurt shortly after
exercise. It normally improves after exercise is finished for the day and rarely hurts at night. Some athletes get
a "bump" at this site.
Xrays are not always necessary but can prove the diagnosis and rule out other problems in the same area.
Once diagnosed, the athlete has several options. Treatment includes ice, ibuprofen, and some people find a
patellar tendon brace helpful. Rarely, athletes must discontinue their sport, while the majority can continue
with only minimal discomfort. The pain goes away, usually by 16 years old. The "bump" sometimes persists.
Even if you are not an athlete- osgood schlatter syndrome can occur and cause pain. The pain worsens
though with jumping, long distance running, and other activities stretching the patellar tendon.
This knee problem is similar to patellar tendonitis (jumper's knee), and Sinding Larson Johansson Syndrome.
Check with your physician if you believe osgood schlatter syndrome is causing your knee pain.
wellbody
Focused on the healthcare of athletes
| To do: Ice before and after exercise Ibuprofen 1 hour before exercise Patellar tendon brace- works sometimes Good athletic shoes Exercise that won't hurt as much: Swimming, Golf |
| Not to do: Wear the same shoes as last season Put pressure on the area Jump rope or long cross country runs Exercise that will hurt more: Volleyball, Cross country running, Basketball |
| Pearls to Remember Osgood Schlatter Syndrome Who: Girls and Boys during growth Where: Below the knee cap at the tibial tuberosity, one or both knees What: Pain and swelling Xray needed: sometimes, yes- to rule out any other reason for pain Why: Avulsion of bone from stretching patellar tendon How common: Very Prognosis: Excellent How long: Weeks to months Treatment: Ice, ibuprofen, patellar tendon strap, and relative rest Continue the sport: Normally, yes. Similar problems: Patellar tendonitis (Jumper's Knee) Sinding Larson Johansson Syndrome- (pain at the bottom of the patella (knee cap) Sever's- similar problem found in the heel due to achilles tendon- SEE NEWSLETTER ON SEVER'S |
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