Osgood-Schlatter disease is a prevalent cause of teenage knee pain. It refers to inflammation right below the knee, where the kneecap tendon connects to the shinbone. The disease is also known as osteochondrosis, tibial tubercle apophysitis, or traction apophysitis of the tibial tubercle by some doctors. This condition highlights a common cause of front knee pain in young athletes, especially those who participate in sprinting and jumping sports.
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common cause of frontal knee pain. It commonly affects children aged 11 to 14 and occurs in late childhood and early adolescence. This is commonly caused by growth spurts, which occur when bones, muscles, tendons, and other structures change rapidly. Males are more likely to sustain this injury.
It is common in youngsters who are very active and sporty. Running and jumping can cause a strain injury where the kneecap joins the shinbone. The growth plate gets damaged in the tibia right below the kneecap, which flares during activity and subsides with rest.
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A person with Osgood-Schlatter disease often feels pain during physical activity, notably jogging and jumping. It usually only affects one knee, although it might affect both sometimes. The following are the most prevalent symptoms:
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Growth plates are seen in the bones of children and adolescents. These are cartilage sections that are softer and more flexible than bone. They are found near the ends of bones and help establish the length and shape of adult bones. Long bones develop via the growth plates.
When a youngster reaches adulthood, these regions harden into solid bone. Before adulthood, these areas are weaker than surrounding structures, such as ligaments and tendons, rendering them more sensitive to injury. Some growth plates, such as those in the knee, act as tendon attachment points. The tibial tubercle is a bony bulge that covers the growth plate at the end of the shinbone or tibia. The kneecap tendon connects to the tibial tubercle.
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An apophysis is a term used by a doctor to describe the location where a tendon connects. It is called Osgood-Schlatter disease when the tendons at these connecting points right below the kneecap get damaged and inflamed. This is why the condition is sometimes known as tibial tubercle apophysitis.
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The quadriceps are a collection of muscles in the front of the leg that joins the patella. When a person runs or jumps, the quadriceps strain the patella, causing the patellar tendon to swell. As a result, the tibial tubercle and growth plate get strained. Repetitive strain can cause irritation and soreness in this area in some children. The lump may become more noticeable as it swells. Furthermore, stress and strain on the growth plate might result in microfractures or growth plate re-orientation.
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While adolescents who participate in athletics are more likely to develop Osgood-Schlatter disease, less active individuals can also suffer from this condition. However, the sports that are associated with an increased risk of Osgood-Schlatter disease include:
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A doctor can usually diagnose Osgood-Schlatter’s disease based on a medical history and a physical examination. A healthcare expert may apply pressure to the tibial tubercle during the evaluation, which will be uncomfortable or painful for a child with the issue.
They may also ask the child to walk, run, jump, or kneel to see whether these actions aggravate the symptoms. They may also order X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other possibilities. The location of the pain in the tibial tuberosity also aids in differentiating Osgood-Schlatter disease from other illnesses.
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Osgood-Schlatter disease is a prevalent cause of teenage knee pain. It refers to inflammation right below the knee, where the kneecap tendon connects to the shinbone. The disease is also known as osteochondrosis, tibial tubercle apophysitis, or traction apophysitis of the tibial tubercle by some doctors. This condition highlights a common cause of front knee pain in young athletes, especially those who participate in sprinting and jumping sports.
Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome is another cause of knee pain in athletic children. While both disorders are caused by growth plate damage, Osgood-Schlatter occurs below the kneecap in the tibial tubercle. In contrast, Sinding-Larsen-Johansson occurs higher in the inferior pole of the patella.
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Osgood-Schlatter disease treatment methods focus on minimizing pain, discomfort, and swelling. Doctors recommend rest, minimizing physical activity, and a strength conditioning program. Osgood-Schlatter disease pain almost generally ends when a teenager’s body fully develops. Even with treatment, some people may have symptoms for 12-24 months.
Most symptoms disappear around the ages of 14 years for girls and 16 years for males. In the meantime, the following measures may be helpful:
A doctor may also recommend stretching and strengthening activities to relieve knee pain. Some people may benefit from a knee support wrap or knee straps as well. Possible knee exercises include:
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Surgery is often not required because the bone is tougher than cartilage and less prone to irritation. The growth plate will eventually stop developing and fill with bone. If a person has bone fragments that have not healed or if there is an actual fracture, a doctor may recommend surgery in very rare circumstances. A surgeon, on the other hand, will not conduct surgery until the patient has stopped developing.
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