Osgood-Schlatter Disease

What is it?

Osgood-Schlatter disease is an overuse injury of the knee that typically affects children and adolescents experiencing growth spurts. Kids who are involved in running and jumping sports and other activities which involve swift change of direction are more prone. These include soccer, basketball, netball, ballet and football.

What are the symptoms?

Pain
Swelling
Tenderness below the kneecap
Painful lump below the kneecap

The condition usually resolves on its own, once the child’s bones stop growing.

What is the treatment?

This is usually a resolving condition, and tends to improve when the child’s bones stop growing.
Treatment includes a course of non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
In some patients, Osgood-Schlatter’s may last 2-3 years, but in most cases passes at the end of the growth spurt at 14-16 years old.