Christopher Rodolico, PT, DPT
This blog post will focus on a condition that, despite having a fairly complicated sounding name, many people are familiar with due to how relatively common it is amongst youth and adolescents: Osgood-Schlatter Disease.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease is a fairly well-known condition that is often associated with a painful, bony bump located on the upper part of the shin bone. Often, it occurs in children during puberty, often those involved in athletic events, and has been historically associated with young boys; however, recently the rates of Osgood-Schlatter have been rising in young girls, as their sports involvements have also risen. Additionally, Osgood-Schlatter typically only affects one knee, but can affect both knees.
Osgood-Schlatter is heavily associated with activities that involve placing the thigh muscle on excessive stress, such as soccer, basketball, or dancing, through activities that involve running, jumping, and bending. By performing these repetitive-based tasks, it is thought that the quadriceps muscle is placing excessive stress on a tendon that attaches to the shinbone, which results in pain and swelling in the affected area. As a response to this stress, the body responds by forming new bone over the painful area, which is responsible for the “bump” that’s often seen with the condition.
In regards to symptoms and complications, Osgood-Schlatter disease may present with a chronic pain sensation or persistent swelling located right over the upper portion of the shin bone, underneath the knee. Typically, it will resolve over time on its own as the growth rate of a child slows and will often leave the bony bump behind, most commonly without any associated dysfunction.
That being said, Osgood-Schlatter can also be a cause of significant pain for a child, and medical care should be sought if complaints arise, especially if the pain is causing any form of functional limitation, such as being unable to compete in their sport or normal activities at home. Physical therapy is often called for treatment of this condition, as therapists have the ability to create an individualized program that will help reduce tension on the kneecap and stabilize the knee joint through a series of stretching and strengthening activities.
- If you or anyone you know are currently dealing with Osgood-Schlatter Disease or experience any pain or dysfunction and you’re concerned about potential issues, click the following link to discover more information about physical therapy and how Robbins Rehabilitation can help: https://robbinsptwest.com/
- For those experiencing any type of knee pain take a look at our Free Knee Pain Course to help start your recovery process
- If you are injured and are ready to get started right away on the rehabilitation process, then do not hesitate to give a call at 610-841-3555.
- That’s all for now! Feel free to post any questions in the comments section below and if you sign up for a course you will be able to get to stay on top of all things Robbins Rehab!
