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03/04/2020

How do you treat Osgood Schlatters Disease (OSD)?

Stephen Makinde

How do you treat Osgood Schlatters Disease (OSD)?

Are you currently suffering from Osgoods Schlatters and would like some guidance on how to manage the symptoms? Look no further as our Team of Specialists at Perfect Balance Clinic are here to give you some top tips on how to keep your symptoms at bay.

What is Osgood Schlatters Disease?

  • Osgood Schlatters Disease (OSD) is an overuse injury caused by high tension on the patella tendon (Tendon of the knee cap).

  • A localised pain generally occurs on the anterior (front) of the tibial tubercle, where the patellar tendon inserts.

  • Stress within the growth plate of the tibia causes inflammation around the site.

  • Repetitive use on an unsettled and undeveloped growth plate causes microemulsions (small tears) on the tubercle of the tibia.

(Whitmore, 2013)

Background/History of OSD:

OSD first diagnosed OSD in 1903, where 2 surgeon’s named Robert Osgood (1873 - 1956) and Carl Schlatter (1864 - 1934) created and diagnosed the symptoms. Robert Osgood was a US Orthopaedic Surgeon, and Carl Schlatter was a Swiss Surgeon. OSD until this day is named after them (Gregory et. al, 2019).

OSD is commonly seen in active adolescents who participate in high intensity running, jumping or movements which require repetitive knee flexion. It is likely to occur during puberty where children experience times of rapid growth. A typical age is boys between 13-15 years of age and girls between 11-13 years of age (Whitmore, 2013)

Symptoms to look out for:

  • Localised swelling over “bony like prominence”(bump) at the front of the shin (below the knee cap)

  • Tenderness where the tendon attaches to the tibia bone

  • Range of movement of the knee may be normal, but slight discomfort below the knee cap can be expected when applying load through the leg

  • Redness below the knee cap

(Whitmore, 2013)

Treatment/Prevention:

Gregory J. et al (2019) explain in a study that there are no true detailed studies which evaluate the treatment of OSD, although conservative treatments are always recommended. These conservative treatments include:

  • Ice treatment over the site

  • Anti Inflammatories

  • A reduction in high intensity, long duration or repetitive activities

  • Protective padding below the knee

  • Quadricep stretching

  • Quadricep and Hamstring strengthening

  • Rest in intervals

(Gregory J. et al, 2019)

Need more advice?

If you require further advice regarding your Knee Pain or would like to speak to one of our specialists directly at Perfect Balance Clinic, then please feel free to call us 08000724012 or email us on [email protected]. We now offer online remote sessions to new and existing clients also.

Our team are here to help!

Interested?

Take advantage of my complimentary 15-minute sessions designed to give you the support you need. Why not kick start your road to recovery with us today?