Osgood-Schlatter Disease is a condition that causes pain and swelling below the knee joint, where the patellar tendon attaches to the top of the shinbone (Tibia), a spot called the tibial tuberosity. In essence, the disease causes a painful lump below the kneecap.
This condition commonly affects adolescents particularly boys, who are experiencing growth spurts (our patient is 16 years old). Children who play sports in which they regularly run and jump are most at risk. The condition aggravates the symptoms of the disease as does the stress of sports. The good news is that this condition usually resolves on its own, once the child’s bones stop growing.
Painful symptoms are often brought on by running, jumping, and other sports-related activities. In some cases, both knees have symptoms, although one knee may be worse than the other. Some common symptoms include –
Knee pain and tenderness at the tibial tubercle
Swelling at the Tibial Tubercle
Tight muscles in the front or back of the thigh
The area of irritation is below the knee on the Tibial Tuberosity, on the Tibia. It is also the point where the tendon attaches (Quads) below the patella. There is commonly knee pain – especially on the bump. Often there is an increase in size due to the tension on the Tibial Tuberosity.
Osteopathy is an ideal remedy for this! As Osteopaths, we can reduce the tension in the muscles and fascia to help maintain movement. We can also work directly onto the bone and help with the pain. As Osteopaths, we approach the patient holistically, hence we will look around – the back (Lumbar spine), pelvis, knee, ankle and foot and we will treat what we find, in case the condition is affecting other areas. Typically it affects the spine and pelvis. Not only this, we also give advice about managing the disease in future including rest, ice, strengthening and stretching.
Most symptoms completely disappear when a child completes the adolescent growth spurt, around age 14 for girls and age 16 for boys. For this reason, surgery is rarely advised and instead, Osteopathy is recommended.
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