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 and 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
OR for an online consultation click here