A Guide to Osgood-Schlatter Disease in Young Athletes
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a very common cause of knee pain in active, growing adolescents. It is an inflammation of the area just below the kneecap where the patellar tendon attaches to the shinbone (tibia). This condition is not a long-term disease but an overuse injury that occurs during growth spurts. While it typically resolves on its own, its symptoms can be effectively managed with physical therapy and activity modification to keep teens comfortable and active.
Understanding Why Your Teen Has Knee Pain
If your active child or teen is complaining of a painful, bony lump just below their kneecap, Osgood-Schlatter disease is a likely culprit. It’s a condition we frequently see in young athletes across Gwynedd and North Wales, especially those involved in sports that require a lot of running and jumping, like football, basketball, and gymnastics.
During the adolescent growth spurt, bones often grow faster than the muscles and tendons attached to them. This can put extra strain on the patellar tendon. The repetitive pulling of this tight tendon on its attachment point at the shinbone causes irritation, inflammation, and the characteristic painful bump.
While this can be distressing for a young athlete, it's important to remember that Osgood-Schlatter is a temporary condition. The primary goal is to manage the symptoms effectively to allow the body to adapt and heal.
How Can Symptoms Be Managed?
A structured approach focused on reducing pain and managing load is key. The following strategies are fundamental to a successful physical rehabilitation programme.
1. Activity Modification and Rest This is the most crucial first step. It doesn't necessarily mean complete rest, but rather a significant reduction in activities that cause pain. High-impact movements like jumping, sprinting, and deep squatting should be temporarily stopped or scaled back. The principle is simple: if it hurts, don't do it.
2. Manual Therapy Approaches for Pain Relief Hands-on therapy can be very effective for relieving associated muscle tightness. This can involve:
- Gentle Soft Tissue Work: Careful massage of the quadriceps (thigh muscles) can help reduce tension and the pulling force on the patellar tendon. It is vital that this is done gently, avoiding direct, aggressive pressure on the inflamed area itself.
- Guided Stretching: A professional can guide your teen through safe, pain-free stretching exercises for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles. Improving overall flexibility can help correct muscular imbalances around the knee joint.
3. A Progressive Strengthening Programme Strengthening the muscles that support the knee is essential for long-term stability and reducing strain on the tendon's attachment point. A tailored programme may include:
- Low-impact exercises for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes.
- Core stability exercises to improve overall body mechanics. All exercises should be controlled and pain-free, avoiding heavy loads that could aggravate the condition.
4. At-Home Symptom Management Simple strategies can be used at home to control flare-ups:
- Ice Therapy: Applying an ice pack to the painful area for 15 minutes after activity is an effective way to calm inflammation and reduce pain.
- Protective Padding: In some cases, a protective pad worn over the area can reduce irritation from direct contact or bumps during activity.
The Importance of Professional Guidance
While Osgood-Schlatter disease resolves once a teen's growth plates close, managing it properly is essential for their comfort and continued love of sport. An accurate diagnosis from a healthcare professional is important to rule out other potential causes of knee pain.
For parents and young athletes in the Bangor area, seeking professional guidance can provide a clear diagnosis and a personalised management plan. This ensures your teen is doing the right things to support their recovery, manage their pain effectively, and return to their sport safely and confidently.
External Resource
Some videos and Exercises
( These exercises seem simple and safe to me if done according to the instructions. However this is at the user`s own risk)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGibFHFVYd0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PUtGaaRujs
Reference list
Gaweł, E. and Zwierzchowska, A. (2021). Therapeutic interventions in Osgood-Schlatter disease. Medicine, 100(50), p.e28257. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000028257.
Rohan Datta, O.I., Lyudmila Burina, O.I., Filippo Romanelli, O.I. and Theodore B. Flaum, D.O. (2017). Knee Pain in Adults with an Osteopathic Component. Osteopathic Family Physician, [online] 9(1). Available at: https://ofpjournal.com/index.php/ofp/article/view/485 [Accessed 20 Jan. 2024].
ww.proquest.com. (n.d.). The Effects of Myofascial Decompression in an Adolescent Athlete with Osgood-Schlatter Disease - ProQuest. [online] Available at: https://www.proquest.com/openview/d7ae85614fda953e20f3daad0e1c580b/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y [Accessed 20 Jan. 2024].