What is Osgood-Schlatter Disease?
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common musculoskeletal condition seen in growing children and young adolescents.1 This is a condition which is caused by inflammation around the kneecap area around the region where the patellar tendon meets the tibia. The symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease normally flare up during growth spurts when there are significant changes going on the muscles, tendons, and bones of the child.
When Are The Symptoms Of Osgood-Schlatter Disease More Prominent?
Osgood-Schlatter disease is seen mostly in children who are extremely active and involved in sports like football, rugby, basketball and track and field events where they have to run a lot resulting in excessive strain being put on the knees.2 This causes a flare of symptoms resulting in knee pain and prevents them from participating in these activities.
In some cases, less active children who are not involved in any sporting activity also tend to get Osgood-Schlatter disease. The frontline treatment for Osgood-Schlatter is rest, elevation and over the counter pain medications. Additionally, aggressive stretching and strengthening exercises for the lower extremities are also necessary to counter the flare of the symptoms and allow the child to return to regular activities.
What are the Treatments to Get of Osgood Schlatter Disease?
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a condition which resolves on its own once the growth spurts in the child stops. This happens after the child attains puberty, which is around age 14 for girls and age 16 for boys. Till that time, the treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms caused by Osgood-Schlatter disease, which are mostly knee pain and swelling around the knee.
The treatment strategies which can be utilized to get rid of symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease are:
Ice Compressions to Get Rid of Osgood-Schlatter disease: Icing the affected area for 15-20 minutes two to three times a day or after a strenuous physical activity for calming down the inflammation and swelling resulting from Osgood-Schlatter disease.
Medications for Osgood-Schlatter: Over-the-counter NSAIDs and pain relievers, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen are also quite effective in relieving and getting rid of the symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease.1
Rest: Avoiding any physical activity during flare up of Osgood-Schlatter symptoms is perhaps the best way to rest the knee and get rid of the symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter
Knee Brace: A knee brace can be worn during physical activity or wrapping of the knee is also quite beneficial in getting rid of the symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter
Stretching & Strengthening Exercises: Aggressive stretching and strengthening exercises are highly recommended to strengthen the knee and allow for earlier return to activity after a flare of Osgood-Schlatter disease.
Additionally, in severe cases of Osgood-Schlatter disease, the child may have to stop partaking in any sporting activity till the symptoms subside to prevent any complications from developing as a result of Osgood-Schlatter disease.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Osgood-Schlatter disease is a condition, which affects children during growth spurts and resolves on its own once the child attains puberty. The best way to get rid of the symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease during flare up is resting, icing and taking over-the-counter pain medicines.
Aggressive stretching and strengthening exercises are also recommended for children to keep the knees strong so as to cope up with the symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease. The child may have to restrict certain activities which may put excessive stress on the knees and may make the symptoms worse of Osgood-Schlatter disease.
