Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common overuse injury that affects the knee, typically seen in growing children and adolescents during their pre-pubertal and pubertal years. It is especially prevalent in boys, though girls who engage in sports or high-impact activities can also be affected. The condition arises due to inflammation of the growth plate at the tibial tuberosity, the bony prominence located just below the knee where the patellar tendon attaches. During periods of rapid growth, repetitive stress from physical activity places excessive tension on this area, leading to pain and inflammation.
Osgood-Schlatter disease is most often seen in young athletes who participate in activities that involve frequent running, jumping, and abrupt changes in direction, such as soccer, basketball, gymnastics, and track and field. The combination of repetitive quadriceps muscle contraction and a developing skeleton increases the strain on the tibial tuberosity. Since the growth plate in this region has not yet fully ossified (hardened into bone), it is more susceptible to irritation and inflammation.
Growth spurts, where the bones grow faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons, can further exacerbate the issue by increasing tension on the patellar tendon, thereby aggravating the tibial tuberosity.
1. Pain and tenderness below the kneecap: The primary symptom is localized pain and tenderness at the tibial tuberosity, which is often aggravated by physical activity and relieved with rest.
2. Swelling at the tibial tuberosity: Mild to moderate swelling may occur at the site of pain, and in some cases, a noticeable bony lump may develop over time due to repeated stress and subsequent bone remodeling.
3. Pain during specific activities: Activities involving running, jumping, kneeling, or squatting tend to trigger or worsen the pain. Climbing stairs or engaging in sports may become particularly uncomfortable.
Managing Osgood-Schlatter disease requires a combination of rest, activity modification, and supportive measures to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
1. Rest and activity modification: Reducing or temporarily discontinuing high-impact activities is crucial to calming the inflamed growth plate. Cross-training with low-impact exercises such as swimming or cycling can help maintain fitness without worsening symptoms.
2. Ice therapy: Applying ice to the affected area for 15–20 minutes several times a day can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
3. Stretching and strengthening exercises: Once the acute pain subsides, gentle stretching of the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles can help relieve tension on the tibial tuberosity. Strengthening exercises focused on the quadriceps and surrounding muscles can improve knee stability.
4. Knee support: Using a patellar tendon strap or knee brace during physical activity can help reduce stress on the tibial tuberosity by distributing tension more evenly.
In most cases, Osgood-Schlatter disease resolves on its own once the child’s growth spurt ends and the growth plate closes. However, consistent management is crucial to prevent long-term complications or chronic pain.