Osgood Schlatters

 What is Osgood Schlatters?

 Osgood Schlatters is a type of tendonitis in the knee that generally affects boys between the ages of 10 and 15, but can be seen at any age and in girls as well. Osgood Schlatters is caused overuse. The overuse causes patellar tendon pulls off small shards of bone from the tibial tuberosity (bone “bump” that slightly sticks out in front of the tibia or lower leg bone just below knee), located just under the knee cap. 

What Causes Osgood Schlatters?

Osgood Schlatters is caused by overuse and is usually linked to rapid growth spurts. The pulling on the bone by the tendon causes inflammation and swelling, resulting in pain. Over time the tibial tuberosity heals itself by calcifying the damage on the bone. This causes a painful bump to emerge.

Symptoms of Osgood Schlatters:

 Symptoms include: pain that is aggravated by running and jumping. Generally, this pain ceases as the strength of the tendon increases (or as the tendon heals), but the pain can sometimes continue into adulthood.

 What is Treatment?

Rest is crucial to ensure healing! If exercise continues, the tendon will continue to pull on the bone and inflammation of the tendon will continue. Daily ice therapy combined with stretching will speed up the healing process and pain management. Physical Therapy can assist patients with pain and inflammation management with modalities such as ice packs, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, iontophoresis (use of electrodes to deliver anti-inflammatory medication) and can instruct patient in proper stretches and activity modulation for a safe reintroduction to previous sports/activities.

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