Osgood Schlatter: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
 |
| Osgood Schlatter |
Osgood Schlatter
Osgood Schlatter's disease causes inflammation of the patellar ligament that is manifested by pain and swelling at the tibial tubercle. The patellar ligament attaches the top of the shinbone (tibia) to the bottom of the kneecap (patella). The kneecap (patella) is attached to the quadriceps (thigh) muscles by the quadriceps tendon. The patellar ligament is a strong, flat, ligamentous band extending about 8 cm.
It is very common in children or athletic young people particularly boys between the ages of 10-15 years. Children who play games or sports such as frequent running and jumping are at higher risk for developing Osgood Schlatter. It is one of the most common causes of knee pain in children and growing adults.
It is caused by the repetitive contraction of the quadriceps through the patellar ligament at its insertion. It is a very painful condition that usually affects the rapidly growing knee. It is usually relieved on its own without any treatment by taking rest and painkillers.
There is no complication of Osgood Schlatter. It is also known as osteochondrosis, Morbus Osgood Schlatter, tibial apophysitis, tibial tubercle apophyseal traction injury, and rugby knee.
Causes Of Osgood Schlatter
Osgood Schlatter develops when quadriceps (thigh) muscles put extra stress or pressure on the patellar ligament. The patellar ligament attaches the top of the shinbone (tibia) to the bottom of the kneecap (patella).
The quadriceps (thigh) muscles put stress during activities or sports such as running, jumping, bending, soccer, basketball, and volleyball.
This repetitive contraction or stress of the quadriceps through the patellar ligament at its insertion causes the pulling of a patellar ligament on the growth plate. This results in pain and swelling at the tibial tubercle.
Symptoms Of Osgood Schlatter
The most common symptoms of Osgood Schlatter disease are knee pain, tenderness, and swelling at the tibial tubercle. You may also feel the tightness of muscles in the front or back of the thigh. The duration of these symptoms lasts from weeks to months. It can also reappear until your bones stop growing. It may affect one or both knees.
Treatment Of Osgood Schlatter
There is no need for treatment in Osgood Schlatter. It is usually relieved on its own without any treatment by taking rest and painkillers. It is completely recovered when your bones stop growing. The aim of treatment is to reduce the severity of pain.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used for the treatment of pain and swelling. Cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors can also be prescribed for the reduction of pain. Commonly used NSAIDs are diclofenac, etodolac, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen, and piroxicam. commonly used cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors are celecoxib and etoricoxib.
Some physical exercises are also recommended for strengthening your quadriceps muscles and legs in general. Exercise is very effective for stabilizing your knee joint. Stretching of your quadriceps thigh muscles will reduce the tension or pressure on the patellar ligament.
Surgical procedures can also be recommended in which bony overgrowth from your knee is removed. It might be recommended if the pain is debilitating and does not relieve after your bones stop growing. The surgery is needed in rare cases.