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Osgood-Schlatter
Disease
OSGOOD-SCHLATTER
DISEASE
INTRODUCTION
TO OSGOOD-SCHLATTER DISEASE
Osgood-Schlatter Disease is a common cause of knee
pain in young children and adolescents who are still
growing. In this condition there is pain and swelling
below the knee joint on a prominence on the leg bone
(tibia) called the tibial tuberosity.

X-ray shows a more serious case of Osgood-Schlatter
disease where bone fragment is seen separating away
from tibia.
SYMPTOMS
- A slightly swollen, warm and tender bump below the
knee.
- Pain with activity, especially straightening the
leg against force, as in stair-climbing, jumping or
weight-lifting.
- The diagnosis is confirmed by X-ray which shows
that the growth plate is wider than usual. The X-ray
may show small bones in the growth plate
CAUSES
- Osgood-Schlatter’s occurs when there is irritation
of the bone growth plate in the area of the tibial
tuberosity. Bones generally do not grow in the middle
but at the ends near the joint at an area called the
growth plate. These areas of growth are made of cartilage
and not bone.
- Probably results from stress or injury of the tibial
tubercle (which is still developing during adolescence).
Repeated stress or injury interferes with development,
causing inflammation.
Risk increases with certain factors:
- Overzealous conditioning routines, such as running,
jumping or jogging.
- Overweight
- Male between 11 and 18
- Rapid skeletal growth.
WHAT
YOU SHOULD DO
- Help an overweight child lose weight.
- Encourage your child to exercise moderately, avoiding
extremes.
WHAT
YOU SHOULD NOT DO
- Ignore the pain. You can not grow out of this disease!
WHAT
THE CHIROPODIST/ FAMILY DOCTOR WILL DO
-
Use heat to relieve pain. Warm compresses, heating
pads, warm whirlpool baths, heat lamps, diathermy
or ultrasound are effective.
-
Ice applications may help.
-
Use a cushioned knee pad.
- Provide the patient with emotional support and
assurances that symptoms will diminish with time.
MEDICATION--
For minor discomfort, you may use non-prescription
drugs such as paracetamol (ask your doctor before use).
Your doctor may prescribe cortisone injections, if other
treatment fails. Cortisone injections may weaken tendons,
so it is better to give the condition more time to heal
than to use them.
ACTIVITY--
Resting the affected leg is the most important treatment.
May require crutches, leg cast or splint,
or an elastic knee brace that prevents the knee from
bending fully. The child should not participate
in sports during treatment. This is temporary, and normal
activity can be resumed when inflammation subsides,
but treatment often requires 2 to 6 months.
Avoid jumping activities and activities that cause
pain to the leg.
DIET--
No special diet, unless the child is overweight. Ask
your doctor about a weight reduction diet.
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If you have any doubts about your child's foot
health visit a chiropodist or podiatrist for a
evaluation.
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