Osgood Schlatter Disease
Very common among adolescents, Osgood Schlatter Disease (OSD) is not actually a disease, but an overuse injury that can be quite painful, but usually resolves within 12 to 24 months. OSD is an inflammation of the bone, cartilage and/or tendon at the top of the shinbone, where the tendon from the kneecap attaches.
Causes:
Often more common during growth spurts during puberty, Osgood-Schlatter disease occurs most often in children who participate in sports that involve running, jumping and swift changes of direction, such as soccer, basketball, figure skating and ballet.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Tenderness just below the kneecap
- Knee pain that worsens with exercise
- Decreased pain during rest
- Tightness of the surrounding muscles, especially the thigh muscles (quadriceps)
Examination may include:
- Medical history
- Physical examination
- X-ray
- MRI
Range of treatment:
- Rest
- Ice
- Medication
- Surgery in rare cases
