Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Introduction

Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) is a common condition that affects the knees, particularly in children and adolescents who are experiencing growth spurts. It is characterized by pain, swelling, and tenderness just below the kneecap, over the bony prominence where the patellar tendon attaches to the shinbone (tibia). This condition is typically seen in active children, especially those involved in sports that require running, jumping, or quick changes in direction. In the clinic we see these kids feeling disappointed, left out, and not able to train and play like their friends do. It is important to know that there is support and management available for kids with OSD so they don’t miss out on the things they love.

Causes & Considerations

The main cause of OSD is believed to be overuse or repetitive stress on the growth plate of the shinbone during periods of rapid growth. This can lead to inflammation, swelling, and sometimes an increased size of the bony bump just below the knee. Factors such as tight muscles, muscle imbalances, or poor mechanics can also contribute to the development of this condition. It is more common in boys than girls and often occurs during growth spurts, typically between the ages of 10 and 15.

An example presentation for Osgood-Schlatter disease is a 13 year old boy playing a lot of soccer or Aussie rules footy with tight quads due to lots of activity while the body is also trying to grow. When the bones grow quickly during a growth spurt, the muscles need time to adapt and can therefore pull on the part of the bone that it inserts into. The body will adapt to areas that are under stress by laying down bone to create more strength. This is why you can often see a ‘bump’ under the kneecap in kids and adults who have or had OSD.

Osteopathic Treatment for Shoulder Pain

Osgood-schlatter disease is commonly treated with osteopathy, and the condition is typically resolved with proper care and management. An osteopath will provide guidance for your child in how to reduce symptoms at home, through stretching and exercise techniques that target muscles and ligaments commonly contributing to the condition.

Treatment for OSD involves reducing muscle tension around the knee, specifically the quadriceps muscle as this is connected to the patellar tendon which is affected in OSD. As osteopaths we also place significant attention on areas distant to the site of pain. In the case of OSD we assess and treat the hips, pelvis, lower back, ankles and feet to ensure optimal mechanics and reduce pressure on the quadriceps and therefore knee to promote healing and reduce pain.

Techniques commonly used on OSD:

  • Soft Tissue Massage
  • Muscle Energy Technique
  • Joint Articulation t the Hip, Ankle and Knee
  • Kinesiology Taping

Lifestyle and Management

It is important to consider the impact of daily activities and lifestyle that may need to be temporarily modified or changed to help manage OSD. Most children with OSD can still continue to participate in sports and activities with specific modifications to reduce stress on the area.Your child’s osteopath will discuss strategies that can reduce pain and assist in moving towards full resolution of the condition. Below are some points that an osteopath may discuss with you and your child for at-home care:
  • Warm-Up and Cool Down: Before engaging in physical activity, it is important to warm up properly to prepare the muscles and joints. Cooling down after activity can help prevent stiffness and reduce the risk of injury. An osteopath can discuss with you and your child the best stretches to do for before and after activity.
  • Rest: children love to be constantly engaging in activities, but it is important that they listen to their body and know when to rest. If your child begins to experience pain from OSD, encourage them to take a break from their activity and try something that has less impact on the knees.
  • Stay Active: while rest is certainly important, staying active with low-impact activities can help maintain strength and flexibility in the muscles surrounding the knee joint.
  • Taping- kinesiology tape (k-tape) is commonly used to decompress structures around the knee and support optimal movement during healing and reduce pain. K-tape can stay on for 5-7 days and is waterproof- so is a great option for active children
Osgood-Schlatter Disease can be daunting for children and their parents or loved ones, however the condition is often self-limiting. With proper support and management, we can work together towards pain free movement and help your child return to their activities sooner. Growing bodies experience a lot of stress, and osteopathic management can support young people to better adapt to periods of growth throughout teen years and into their 20’s. Reach out to the clinic to arrange an appointment with one of our friendly osteopaths who will work with you and your child to resolve their pain.

We use hands-on techniques and lifestyle advice to help people like you suffering pain, stiffness, illness and injury to reduce pain, move better and return to the things they love to do so they can live happier, healthier lives.   For further information, please contact us on info@head2toehealth.com.au or 07) 3208 8308.

This information is intended as a general guide only and is not specific for any particular condition or situation. This information is for educational purposes only. Please seek specific advice for your individual circumstances.