Osgood-Schlatter
By: Anna Bahr 5th hour
What is Osgood-Schlatter?
Osgood-Schlatter is an irritation of the patellar ligament at the tibial tuberosity. It is also known as epiphysitis of the tibular tubercle. It is commonly found in children and teenagers, because they have growth plates on their joints. It was first discovered in 1903.
Symptoms
Pain right below the kneecap that occurs while straightening the knee or squatting. Pain also occurs while running and going up and down stairs. Swelling of the tibial tuberosity is also common. These symptoms typically recur for 12-24 months.
Treatments
Osgood-Schlatter disease usually gets better without formal treatment. Symptoms typically disappear after your child's bones stop growing. Until that happens, your doctor may recommend mild pain relievers, icing, and physical therapy. Physical therapy includes streching and strengthening exercises for the quadriceps, hamstring and calf muscles.
Causes
It occurs when a child puts too much stress on their growth plates, which are made of cartilage. It is most common in the sports of gymnastics, ballet, volleyball, soccer, football, basketball, and figure skating.
Media Influences
Interpersonal Communication
Your doctor: Kids with Osgood-Schlatter can speak to their doctor. A doctor can give advice on which medicines to take and other treatments.
Physical Therapist: In more serious cases, a kid with Osgood-Schlatter can find help from a Physical Therapist. A Physical Therapist can teach exercises and give treatment to help the pain.
Immediate Risk Factors
Immediate risk factors of Osgood-Schlatter may include:
Pain in one or both knees
Pain when straightening the knee joint or full squatting
Pain on running, or going up and down stairs
Pain that eases with rest
A swollen tibial tuberosity
Red and inflamed skin over the tibial tuberosity
Quadriceps muscles that can sometimes lose strength and bulk.
Long Term Risk Factors
Long term risk factors include:
- pain on kneeling as an adult
- the cosmesis of a bony prominence on the anterior knee
- Less common complications are the persistence of a painful ossicle requiring surgical excision and a displaced avulsion of a tibial tubercle.
Advances
X-ray: The use of the X-ray makes it easier for doctors to properly diagnose Osgood-Schlatter
Ibuprofen: Although ibuprofen can be used for many other things, it can be used to ease the pain that osgood-schlatter brings
Sources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osgood–Schlatter_disease
www.mayoclinic.com/health/osgood-schlatter-disease/DS00392/DSECTION=symptoms
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/osgood-schlatter-disease/DS00392.html
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Osgood_Schlatter_syndrome
Local Source:
Dr. Carla Goerish
507-327-7707