Description

Osgood Schlatter disease can cause painful lumps under the patella in children and adolescents who experience growth spurts during puberty. Osgood Schlatter disease occurs most often in children who often sports that involve running, jumping, football, basketball, skating and ballet. Osgood Schlatter disease is more common in boys. Osgood Schlatter disease affects as many as one of five teenage athletes. Different age ranges by gender because girls experience puberty earlier than boys. Osgood Schlatter disease usually occurs in children aged 13-14 years and girls aged 11-12. This condition usually resolves itself, after the child’s bones stop growing.

Cause

Each of the long bones of the arms and legs have a growth plate, made ??of cartilage, which is located at each end of the bone. Cartilage is not as strong as bone, and the pressure on the growth plate can cause swelling and pain. During activities that involve lots of running, jumping and bending, such as soccer, basketball, volleyball and ballet, children thigh muscles (quadriceps) are interested in the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone. Stress or repetitive stress can cause the tendon slightly pulled out of bone dry, resulting in pain and swelling associated with Osgood Schlatter. In some cases, the child’s body may be trying to close the gap with new bone growth, which can lead to bony bump at the site.

Symptom

Signs and symptoms of Osgood Schlatter disease may include:

1. Pain, swelling and tenderness at the bony prominence on the upper shin, just below the kneecap.

2. Knee pain that worsens with activity, especially running, jumping and climbing stairs, and can be cured by rest.

3. Tense the muscles around it, especially the thigh muscles (quadriceps).

The pain varies from person to person. Some only a mild illness and still be able to perform certain activities, especially running and jumping. For others, the pain is almost constant and debilitating. Osgood Schlatter disease usually occurs only in one knee, but sometimes it develops in both knees. Discomfort can last from weeks to months and may recur until the child has stopped growing.

Treatment

Osgood Schlatter disease usually improves without formal treatment. Symptoms usually disappear after the child’s bones stop growing. Until this happens, your doctor may recommend a mild pain relievers and physical therapy.

1. Pain relievers drugs are sold freely, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain.

2. Therapy a physical therapist can teach exercises to stretch your quadriceps and hamstrings, which can help reduce tension in the tendon that attaches the kneecap to the shinbone. Quadriceps strengthening exercises to help stabilize the knee joint.

Sources: MayoClinic