Facts about Osgood-Schlatter Disease (OSD)
- Is a common type of knee pain.
- More likely in active children and those having a growth spurt.
- Caused by overuse, often playing sports that require running and jumping, and a lack of rest and recovery.
Anatomy of the Knee
- Quadriceps muscle
- Patella (kneecap)
- Femur
- Fibula
- Tibia (shin bone)
- Patellar ligament (kneecap tendon)
Inflammation and pain occur below the kneecap where the kneecap tendon attaches to the shin bone.
Treatment options for OSD
- Rest, activity modification, and anti-inflammatory pain medication can usually resolve pain.
- Icing the knee can help reduce pain after activity.
- Physical therapy and stretching exercises can help improve strength and flexibility.
Symptoms may return until a child’s growth spurt is complete.
Source: JAMA Pediatrics, al rights reserved. For educational purposes only.
Knee Pain in Active Children: What Parents Need to Know
- Common Issue: Knee pain is frequent in active children, often due to overuse injuries.
- Osgood-Schlatter Disease (OSD): A common overuse injury, especially in sports involving jumping and running.
- Cause of OSD: Strain on the kneecap tendon and shinbone, leading to inflammation and pain.
Risk Factors for OSD:
- Growth spurts (girls 8-13, boys 12-15).
- Participation in sports with jumping, squatting, kicking, and running (basketball, volleyball, sprinting, soccer).
Symptoms of OSD:
- Knee pain and swelling, worse with activity, better with rest.
- Pain localized below the kneecap at the tibial tubercle.
- Can affect one or both knees.
- Severity varies, potentially limiting activities.
Diagnosis of OSD:
- Usually based on symptoms and physical exam.
- Imaging (x-rays) may be needed for atypical symptoms.
Treatment of OSD:
- Resolves on its own over time.
- Rest, activity modification, and pain medication.
- Ice application after activity.
- Anti-inflammatory medications as needed.
- Stretching and physical therapy (strengthening leg muscles).
- Bracing (rarely) for severe cases.
- Surgery is rarely needed.
Return to Sports:
- Depends on healing and pain tolerance.
- Low-level pain is acceptable if it improves with rest.
- Support and avoid pressure from parents and coaches.
Importance of Support:
- Encouraging children to enjoy sports without ignoring pain.
- Balancing activity with rest and recovery.
