Osgood-Schlatter Disease Treatment
As the bones grow, many bones have growth plates of cartilage that eventually become bone. Some bones, like the tibia or shin bone, have tendons that attach at the point of the growth plate. Stress from the tendon pulling on the tibial growth plate can cause inflammation, a knee condition called Osgood-Schlatter disease in adolescents. Our orthopedic specialists at DOCS Health offer Osgood-Schlatter disease treatment at our Los Angeles medical center.
Causes and Symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter Disease
The top of the tibia or shin bones in children and adolescents have a growth plate that is covered by a bump of bone called the tibial tubercle. The patellar tendon attaches to the tibial tubercle, connecting the shin bone to the strong quadriceps muscles of the thigh. When active children are jumping, running and participating in sports, there can be excessive stress on the tibial tubercle. In some cases, this can result in inflammation of the tibial growth plate and increased prominence of the bony bump of the tibial tubercle.
When Osgood-Schlatter disease occurs, the pronounced tibial tubercle can cause painful symptoms. The symptoms usually increase when children are playing sports that require running and jumping. Symptoms can include:
- Pain directly below the front of the knee
- Tight muscles in the front or back of the thigh (quadriceps and hamstrings)
- Swelling at the tibial tubercle
- One or both knees can be affected
- Tenderness at the tibial tubercle when pressure is applied
Conservative treatment is usually recommended for Osgood-Schlatter disease. Rest, ice and anti-inflammatory medications, followed by strength conditioning, stretches and physical therapy.
In many cases, Osgood-Schlatter disease symptoms disappear in the teen years once the adolescent growth spurt is over. However, if pain and other symptoms are severe, surgery may be recommended. To learn more about Osgood-Schlatter disease treatment, contact DOCS Health at our orthopedic clinic in Los Angeles.
Doctors who treat this condition
Unless otherwise indicated, the physician is a member of DOCS Health Medical Group and has medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both. Physicians denoted with an asterisk (*) are independent physicians who are not part of DOCS Health Medical Group, but do have medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both.