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|  | osgood Schlatters Syndrome |  | Who gets Osgood Schlatters
Young teenagers, particularly boys, are the most commonly affected. It is uncommon over the age of 16. It is most common in teenagers who play a lot of sport involving kicking, running, or jumping. These kinds of sports cause repeated and vigorous use of the quadriceps muscles.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptom is pain just below the kneecap (patella). The level of tends to go up and down. It is usually worse during, and just after, activity. It tends to ease with rest. Pain typically lasts a few months, but sometimes persists until you have finished growing. The knee joint is not affected, so knee movements are normal.
A small, tender, bony bump may develop a few centimetres below the kneecap. This occurs where the patella ligament attaches to the tibia ('shin bone'). The small bump is permanent, although in time it becomes painless.
No special tests are usually needed as the diagnosis is often clear from the typical symptoms.
What causes Osgood-Schlatter's disease?
Sometimes it develops for no apparent reason. However, overuse of the front thigh muscles (quadriceps) is thought to be a common cause. The quadriceps muscle is used to straighten the knee. This muscle pulls on the patella, which pulls on the patella ligament, which is attached to the upper part of the tibia.
Overuse of the quadriceps muscle can cause repeated stress and strain on the attachment of the patella ligament to the growing tibia. This can cause inflammation and pain at the site of the ligament attachment. In some cases, a small flake of bone is pulled off the tibia by the pulling ligament. Healing bone (callus) then forms which may cause a hard bony bump to develop.
What is the treatment of Osgood-Schlatter's disease?
Pain usually goes within a few months without any treatment. It may help to be reassured that the condition is not serious and is likely to go.
Paracetamol or similar painkillers may be useful when pain flares up.
If symptoms persist for 2 years or more, then immobilisation in a plaster to 'force' rest may be advised. A specialist may, rarely, advise an operation on the bony lump if symptoms still do not improve. However, they are more likely to advise patience as a natural easing of symptoms over time nearly always occurs.
Are knee supports helpful?
There are a number of different supports and braces on the market that may help with Osgood Schlatters disease.
A simple neoprene heat retainer / support. This provides compression and support to the knee in general and retains the bodies natural heat. A warm tendon will work much better than a cold one.
A patella tendon strap. This is a strap that wraps around just below the knee.
What about playing sport and other activities?
Sport or physical activity is not likely to cause any permanent damage, but may make the pain worse. However, it is often sporty teenagers who develop Osgood-Schlatter's disease. Difficult decisions may have to be made about training schedules and sporting commitments. Each case is different, and your doctor will advise. An approach similar to the following may be advised.
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