What is Osgood Schlatters?
Osgood Schlatter’s Disease (OSD) is a common cause of knee pain in children and adolescents. It is not yet known exactly what causes OSD but it is thought to be caused by repeated stress of your large thigh muscle tendon where it attaches to the top of your shin bone below your kneecap.
Often this occurs in sporty adolescents or during a rapid growth spurt. This stress results in this area becoming inflamed and painful. At times a hard, bony bump may appear in this area. This is generated as healing occurs and new bone is created.
Who gets Osgood Schlatter’s?
- Children and adolescents going through a large growth spurt.
- Children aged 9-15 with a greater incidence in boys.
- Children and adolescents who participate in repeated high-intensity activity with higher impact such as hopping, jumping and change of direction.
- Higher incidence in athletes who specialise in only one sport early.
What are the most common symptoms?
- Knee pain either during or after participation in sports which typically eases with rest.
- Swelling or a bump at the top of your shin bone which can be tender to touch.
- Reduced knee strength.
- Tightness of your leg muscles.
These symptoms usually come on gradually and can appear in one or both of your knees.
