Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Individuals that suffer from Osgood-Schlatter disease are suffering from an irritation of the patellar tendon. This irritation occurs at the tibial tuberosity. It is a childhood disease that affects children between the ages of nine to 16 years of age and one that is quite painful to the child. Boys are more prone to develop the disease with the theory as to why boy are more prone to developing Osgood-Schlatter disease being that they are more sports oriented. For parents of children that are suffering with the disease, it is painful, as the condition does leave the child in pain. The condition normally interferes with the physical activities of the child, as the patellar tendon suffers from stress and the result is pain. Growing spurts are a cause of stress on the tendon. Children may suffer from multiple sub-acute avulsion fracture, as well as, an inflamed tendon. Among children that are suffering with Osgood-Schlatter disease, 50% have a past record of precipitating trauma. Osgood-Schlatter's Disease Symptoms The disease has specific symptoms which include: Tenderness, swelling and pain in the upper shinbone at the bony prominence, just below the kneecap. Pain in the knee that is greater with activity, such as, stair climbing, running and jumping. Tightness in the surround muscles, particularly the muscles in the thigh. Pain will vary from child to child. Some children may experience mild pain while other may experience continual and debilitating pain. The children may develop the disease in one or both knees. Osgood Schlatter Disease Treatment Before a treatment plan can begin, it is necessary for the child to have the proper diagnosis, which is made clinically. Treatment includes rest, ice, and compression and elevation therapy. Children may also be given ibuprofen or acetaminophen for the pain. Typically, children suffering the Osgood-Schlatter disease suffer from the illness for a few months. The use of an orthopedic cast or bracing may also be necessary to keep the child less mobile. This treatment is known to help ease the pain that the child is suffering from. Surgical excision is also performed, but, it is rare. Risk Factors There are risk factors that are associated with the disease that include: Age Gender Sports Osgood-Schlatter Disease Complications Complications with the disease are not common. Complications, may, however, include localized swelling or chronic pain. If the child is experiencing either of these symptoms, then icing, and anti-inflammatory medications will likely be used to help the child with their pain. If your child is experiencing pain in the knee that does not seem to subside and gets worse with physical activity, then it is essential to take your child to your physician to get a proper diagnosis. Osgood-Schlatter disease is a disease that affects many children throughout the world, and one, that with the proper diagnosis and treatment plan, will reduce the pain that the child suffers. Prepare your child to be open with their physician and to answer questions regarding their symptoms and the pain that they are experiencing, when it seems to occur, and so on.