Osgood-Schlatter's Disease

What is Osgood Schlatters disease?

Osgood Schlatters disease is a condition where the bony protrusion below the knee (called the tibial tuberosity) becomes inflamed. The patella tendon inserts here and through overuse can tug away at the bone causing inflammation. New bone grows back causing a bony lump. It mainly affects boys aged 10 to 16 years old.

 

What are the symptoms of Osgood schlatters disease?

• Swelling just below the kneecap.
• Tenderness and pain on the tibial tuberosity during and after exercise.
• Pain when contracting the quadriceps against resistance.

 

 

Treatment

What can you do to prevent Osgood schlatters disease?

1.     Rest. This injury needs rest if it is to heal. You must only do as much exercise as it will allow you. If in Pain stop sport immediately! Weight bearing exercise will make it worse. Keep your sessions few and high quality rather than train every day.

2.     Apply ice wrapped in a tea towel for 15 minutes just below the knee cap, every hour after training or playing football. If it is bad, do this at least three times a day.

3.     Shock-absorbent insoles in sports shoes may decrease peak stress on the tendon and tuberosity.

4.     When participating in sports, wear a pad over the affected knee at the point where the knee may become irritated

 

 

Stretching

The muscles in particular that need to be stretched are the Quadriceps group at the front of the thigh. Hold stretches for around 10 seconds and repeat 5 times. Aim to stretch at least 5 times a day.

 

Quad stretch 1

Hold the foot of the leg to be stretched and gently pull up behind. Aim to keep the knees together and pull the leg up straight not twisted.

You should feel a stretch at the front of the leg. It should not be painful. In the early acute stages of treatment hold stretches for around 10 seconds.

Later on when the inflammation has gone stretches should be held for around 30 seconds. Repeat 5 times and stretch at least 3 times a day.

 

Quad stretch 2

Kneel on one knee with a very padded cushion for support. Pull the foot up behind as shown. This stretch will target the Rectus femoris more.

If you have any pain on the knee when performing this stretch, avoid it.

This stretch places a lot of pressure on the kneecap when kneeling down so it is essential to have plenty of padding for support.