WHAT IS IT? OSGOOD-SCHLATTERS
Osgood Schlatters is a condition common in adolescents. It occurs during periods of rapid growth between the ages of 10-15 years.
Traction of the patellar tendon on the growth plate at the tibial tuberosity can result in pain and an enlarged bony prominence.
Signs & Symptoms
Pain at the front of the knee around the tibial tuberosity
Aggravated with sports involving running and jumping
Pain with hopping, squatting and kneeling
Tenderness over the tibial tuberosity
Possible swelling
What Causes It?
Growth spurt
Heavy load of sports activity involving running and jumping
Tight quadriceps muscles
Over-pronation of the feet
A sudden increase in the level of sports activity
How to Self Manage
Use pain as your guide as to how much sport you should carry on with
Stretch the quadriceps muscles so that they are not tight
Ice the tibial tuberosity area if it is sore post-exercise
Mild pain relief as required
Prognosis
The amount of sport played has not been shown to be detrimental, so really pain is the best determinant of how much sport you can continue playing
The condition can last for up to 2 years
Individuals are likely to remain with a large bony prominence on the tibial tuberosity
Id pain continues into adulthood, there may be a separate bone fragment which if painful would be removed surgically
How Physio Helps
Diagnose the pain as being Osgood-Schlatters and not another anterior knee pain presentation
Assess for biomechanical factors
Check for muscle tightness or imbalance
Provide electrotherapy for pain relief
Provide soft tissue massage to release the quadriceps
Prescribe a stretching and strengthening program
Make training modifications for graduated return to sport if necessary