Osgood-Schlatter disease is a condition that occurs in children and adolescents as they have growth spurts. Osgood-Schlatter disease causes pain and tenderness at the bony prominence on the upper shinbone, just below the kneecap, as a lump manifests itself below the kneecap. Osgood-Schlatter disease is believed to affect as many as 1 in 5 adolescent athletes.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease Causes
Osgood-Schlatter disease causes are pretty straightforward. It is caused when stress is put on the growth plate (cartilage) at the end of the long bones in the child’s shin bone. In many cases, the disease manifests itself without the child doing anything at all to cause the stress. It just happens as they grow and have natural stress applied.
That being said, there are certain activities and sports that children participate in that might increase Osgood-Schlatter disease causes, especially those requiring jumping, running, or repeated bending of the knee.
These movements are often done during soccer, volleyball, basketball, ballet, and other similar activities. With the repeated stress on the tendons, kneecap, and shinbone that typically occur during these activities, Osgood-Schlatter disease symptoms can begin to appear if the knee is already feeling the natural pressure from a growth spurt.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease Symptoms
Most common Osgood-Schlatter disease symptoms will take care of themselves, but immediate relief can often be found in providing knee support. If your child’s pain makes it difficult to participate in normal activities, it is wise to seek the advice of a physician. Some Osgood-Schlatter disease symptoms include:
- A painful swelling just below the kneecap, on the prominent portion of the upper shinbone.
- Tenderness in that same spot.
- Pain in the knee that gets worse during running or climbing stairs, but that improves when resting.
- Tightness in the thigh muscles.
- A visible lump just below the kneecap.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease Treatment
Osgood-Schlatter disease treatment rarely requires a physician. Symptoms typically disappear once the bones stop growing. When these symptoms are present in your child, know that it won’t last forever, but that they may want to limit their physical activities for a while until the pain subsides.
Managing pain and reducing stress on the affected area can help children stay comfortable while dealing with Osgood-Schlatter disease. Knee support straps may help provide targeted support for discomfort associated with Osgood-Schlatter disease, particularly during physical activity. The following are some common options for managing symptoms:
