Osgood Schlatter Disease for the Orthopedic Patient
Important information:
Osgood Schlatter disease (OSD) is a common condition that causes irritation where the patellar (kneecap) tendon goes into the tibia (shin) cartilage. Although it is not limited to athletes, about 10% of athletes develop Osgood Schlatter disease. This condition affects rapidly growing teens. In girls, it usually begins around the age of 11 and, in boys, around 13. The disease will eventually go away on its own when growth is complete.
Symptoms of OSD include a painful bump on the front of the shin just below the kneecap. The pain often goes away with rest and stretching. The problem may be more noticeable when walking up or down stairs, and with high impact activities, such as running and jumping, or sports. The pain may be intermittent or constant, and one or both knees may be affected. There may be swelling or a notable enlargement of the bump if the condition has been present for several months. This area may be painful if bumped or when kneeling.
What causes Osgood Schlatter?
 |
|
©2000-2004 The Staywell Company, LLC. Image used with permission.
|
What tests will be done?
A knee x-ray is not usually necessary but may be taken to help your clinician rule out any other conditions that might be causing the pain.
What are the recommended treatments?
Treatment for Osgood Schlatter depends on the degree of pain. A stretching program for the quadriceps and hamstrings will be started. A patellar tendon strap (Cho-Pat® or other brand) to be placed around the knee may help reduce pain.
It is okay to participate in activities if you are not experiencing a lot of pain and you are not limping (favoring the leg). If you start limping, you must rest your leg and not participate in jumping or running activities until the limping has stopped. Ice application or ice massage is a good way to decrease the pain.
Often, when running and jumping are eliminated from day-to-day activities the pain goes away within a month or so. It may return when you restart your activities. Your healthcare provider will discuss your individual needs. In very few cases, if rest alone does not help the condition, then a knee immobilizer or brace may be prescribed for a short period of time.
What activities are okay to do?
Low-impact, cross-training activities are best. These include walking, biking, and swimming. Your child may participate in running and jumping as long as they are not limping and have minimal pain.
What else can I do to help this condition?
Quadricep and hamstring stretching are the most helpful exercises you can do if you have Osgood Schlatter disease. Kneepads can protect the knee from direct trauma for certain sports such as wrestling, football, volleyball or basketball.
 |
Quadricep stretch
Pull heel towards buttock until
a stretch is felt in front of thigh.
|
| |
|
 |
Hamstring stretch
Tuck foot near groin with opposite leg straight. Reach down straight leg until a stretch is felt in the back of the thigh.
|
Perform these stretches on both legs. Hold each stretch for 30 seconds and repeat 5 times. Perform multiple times daily.
You may use acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (Advil®, Motrin®, ibuprofen, Aleve®) to control the pain. Take as directed on the label. Only take as needed. Your child should not take medicine before physical activity in order to participate pain free. If you are experiencing an increase in pain, please contact your healthcare team immediately.
Is surgery necessary?
Surgery is rarely needed.
Will it come back?
It is possible to have several episodes of pain until your tibia (shin) has finished growing. The best thing you can do to prevent symptoms returning is to continue your quadriceps and hamstring stretches daily.
Will I have problems as an adult?
There is a possibility that you may be left with a permanent bump on this portion of the tibia (shin). Some adults with this bump will occasionally experience pain when kneeling.
Weekdays:
215-590-1527 if your cast was placed in our Philadelphia, Princeton or Voorhees sites.
If your cast was placed in our King of Prussia office, call 215-590-6919.
Nights, weekends, and holidays:
Call 215-590-1000 and ask the operator to page the orthopedic resident on call.
Reviewed April 2024 by Kate Easby, ATC