Osgood-Schlatter Disease

What Is Osgood-Schlatter Disease?

Osgood-Schlatter disease, is an overuse injury that occurs in the knee area of growing adolescents. It is caused by undue stress on the attachment of the tendon below the kneecap (patellar tendon) where it attaches to the shinbone (tibia). Young adolescents who participate in certain sports, including soccer, gymnastics, basketball, and distance running, are most at risk for this disease.

What Causes Osgood-Schlatter Disease?

Young adolescents who participate in certain sports, including soccer, gymnastics, basketball, and distance running, are most at risk for this disease.

What Are The Symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter Disease?

  • Knee pain
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness below the kneecap

What Are The Treatment Options For Osgood-Schlatter Disease?

Once a diagnosis has been made, treatment is aimed at reducing the pain and swelling. This may include the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and wrapping the knee until the child can enjoy activity without discomfort or significant pain afterwards.

Symptoms that worsen with activity may require rest for several months, followed by a conditioning program. In some patients, Osgood-Schlatter symptoms may last for 2 to 3 years. However, most symptoms will completely disappear with completion of the adolescent growth spurt, around age 14 for girls and age 16 for boys.

Our team is here for you

We offer the best, least invasive and least aggressive options to relieve your pain and symptoms so you can get back to the life you love. Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists Joint Replacement Care Center has convenient locations in Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Chesapeake.