What is Osgood Schlatters?

Osgood Schlatter Disease was named after the two physicians that first defined it in 1903 - Dr Robert Osgood from Ohio and Dr Carl Schlatter from Switzerland. Not, as is often thought, after the Chelsea footballer Peter Osgood! It is characterised by activity related pain that occurs just below the kneecap (patella), at the top of the shin bone (tibia).

Osgood Schlatter disease is a prevalent condition among active adolescents, particularly those experiencing growth spurts. It manifests as pain and swelling just below the kneecap, where the patellar tendon attaches to the shinbone (tibia). This discomfort is often exacerbated by activities involving running, jumping, or kneeling. Source: Orthoinfo.

Today hundreds of thousands of children are diagnosed with Osgood Schlatters every year. Many others are never diagnosed and the discomfort is often dismissed as "Growing Pains". However, if left untreated up to 60% will have some discomfort in the knee area as adults.

Another closely related, although rarer, injury is Ischial Apophysitis which occurs in the hip bones where tendons attach muscles to the pelvic bones.

Understanding Osgood Schalatter Disease

During periods of rapid growth, the bones, muscles, and tendons of young individuals undergo significant changes. In Osgood Schlatter disease, repetitive stress from the quadriceps muscle leads to tension on the patellar tendon at its attachment point on the tibial tuberosity, a bony prominence on the tibia. 

This repeated tension can cause inflammation of the growth plate (apophysis) in this area, resulting in pain and swelling. Over time, the body may respond by forming extra bone tissue, leading to a noticeable bump below the kneecap. 

Osgood Schlatter Disease Symptoms

Osgood Schlatter disease is caused by the pull of the powerful thigh and calf muscles on their respective tendons where they attach to the bone. Football, Rugby, Athletics, Hockey, Gym, Netball and other strenuous activities such as dance and running can all initiate conditions.

They can also be the result of extreme trauma or an extremely rapid "growth spurt". Unless the inflammatory cycle is broken, the conditions can persist for many months and even years.

Common signs of Osgood-Schlatter disease include:

• Pain below the kneecap that intensifies with physical activity and improves with rest.
• Swelling or tenderness at the tibial tuberosity.
• A pronounced bony bump at the top of the shinbone.
• Tightness in the muscles surrounding the knee, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings.

Typically, only one knee is affected, but in some cases, both knees may exhibit symptoms.

The severity of discomfort can vary, with some individuals experiencing mild pain during specific activities, while others may find the pain more persistent and debilitating.

Causes, Diagnosis & Risk Factors

The primary cause of Osgood Schlatter disease is repetitive stress on the patellar tendon, especially during activities that involve frequent running, jumping, or swift changes in direction.

This stress is particularly impactful during growth spurts when the bones lengthen rapidly, and the muscles and tendons must stretch to keep pace, often resulting in increased tension at the tendon-bone junction. Source: John Hopkins Medicine.

Risk factors include:

• Age: Most common in adolescents aged 10 to 15 years.
• Gender: Historically more prevalent in boys, though the gender gap is narrowing as more girls engage in sports.
• Activity Level: Higher incidence in young athletes participating in sports like football, basketball, gymnastics, and ballet.
• Flexibility: Tight quadriceps or hamstring muscles can increase the risk by adding extra tension to the patellar tendon.

Children between the ages of 9 and 16 who are both physically active and in a "growth spurt" are most likely to suffer from Osgood Schlatter Disease. If unresolved it can be painful, of long duration, and have permanent detrimental effects both on the bone, as well as on a young athlete's potential.

A recent Finnish study found that 13% of the teenagers of that country had symptoms of Osgood Schlatters Disease. Predominately found mainly in boys, it now happens almost as frequently in girls. As with many other health conditions there is a definite genetic factor that can predispose young athletes to these conditions. Look at the top of the shinbones of close relatives of those children and you will quite often see the bony lump (osteophyte) left as an artefact.

This is where the body has tried to heal itself by laying down additional bone in the area. This is the typical signature of Osgood Schlatter and in about 75% only affects one knee but in 25% of cases can affect both.

The injuries tend to be found in young sportspeople who are faster, quicker and stronger or more competitive. The catch 22 is that those children who are best equipped to excel in sports are the same ones that put most pressure on their young bodies and are often the most likely to contract Osgood Schlatter, Severs or Ischial Apophysitis.

Osgood Schlatter Disease Treatment

Until recently the most common treatment for Osgood Schlatters Disease was abbreviated as "RICE". This stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Often non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are also recommended. Unfortunately, many times these treatments may prove to be inadequate. The condition, osteochondrosis at the tendon's attachment point on the tibial tubercle, may include microscopic bone chipping, inflammation and tears, and only in the most extreme cases, separation of both cartilage and bone from the tibia.

Osgood-Schlatter disease is generally self-limiting and resolves once the adolescent's bones stop growing. In the meantime, several strategies can help manage symptoms:

• Activity Modification: Encourage the young person to avoid high-impact sports that involve running and jumping if the pain is severe. Instead, they can engage in low-impact activities, such as cycling and swimming, to maintain fitness without exacerbating symptoms. It's important to rest if swelling and pain become too intense. Once the pain subsides, gradually reintroduce participation in activities and sports. Children and adolescents should take part in activities that are comfortable for them, and strategies like taking short breaks during team sports can allow time for pain to settle.

• Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Implementing a routine of stretching exercises can help improve thigh muscle flexibility. For instance, quadriceps stretches involve lying on one side, supporting the head with a pillow, and placing a stretchy band or long towel around the ankle. Using the hand on the same side, gently pull the band towards the buttocks until a stretch is felt in the thigh. Hold for 20 seconds, repeat on the other leg, and perform four times on each leg, twice a day. Hamstring stretches can also be beneficial. These exercises aim to alleviate tension on the tibial tuberosity by enhancing muscle flexibility and strength.

• Pain Management: Applying ice packs to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes, especially after activity, can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Ensure the skin is protected by wrapping the ice in a towel. Elevating the leg after sports, if it is painful and swollen, can also be beneficial. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, may be used as needed, following consultation with a pharmacist or GP.
• Protective Gear: Using knee pads during activities can shield the sensitive area from direct impact, potentially reducing discomfort.
• Supplements: Some individuals have found relief using supplements like Oscon, which contains a blend of antioxidant-rich ingredients and essential nutrients aimed at reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Oscon has been reported to alleviate pain associated with Osgood-Schlatter disease, allowing for continued participation in activities.

 

Read more: How to Treat Osgood Schlatter's Disease

Oscon appears to work on a variety of levels to help treat the painful condition. The method of action appears to be in at least three areas.

First is the proven biological effect of certain Vitamin E isomers on inflammatory free radicals. The most biologically active of these is RRR-a-tocopherol. Antioxidants such as Vitamin E act to protect cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body's metabolism.

Second is an increase in glutathione peroxidase due to the increased presence of selenium. This enzyme is the general name of an enzyme family with peroxidase activity whose main biological role is to protect the organism from oxidative damage. The biochemical function of glutathione peroxidase is to reduce lipid hydroperoxides to their corresponding alcohols and to reduce free hydrogen peroxide to water. Thirdly, these two micronutrients seem to act synergistically to reduce inflammation and pain due to free-radical activity at an injury site.

Vitamin E has long been recommended as a topical wound healer, and it appears that certain forms have that effect when taken internally. More research is continuing on just why this combination is so remarkably effective in cases of Osgood-Schlatter. Improvement is almost always seen in less than a week!

These Osgood Schlatter disease supplements offer effective relief, and we are confident that you will be as pleased as we were when we first employed this formula.

 

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Osgood Schlatters Disease FAQs

1. What is Osgood Schlatter Disease?

Osgood Schlatter Disease (OSD) is a common condition that causes pain and swelling just below the kneecap, where the patellar tendon attaches to the shinbone (tibia). It typically affects adolescents experiencing growth spurts, especially those who participate in sports that involve running, jumping, or rapid changes in direction.

 

2. What causes Osgood Schlatter Disease?

OSD is caused by repetitive stress and tension on the growth plate at the top of the shinbone. During physical activity, the thigh muscles (quadriceps) pull on the patellar tendon, which can lead to irritation and inflammation at the tibial tuberosity (the bony bump on the front of the shin).

 

3. Who is most at risk for developing Osgood Schlatter Disease?

This condition is most common in children and teenagers between the ages of 10 and 15. It frequently occurs in young athletes who participate in sports such as soccer, basketball, gymnastics, or track and field. Those experiencing a rapid growth spurt or individuals with tight thigh muscles are also at a higher risk.

 

4. What are the symptoms of Osgood Schlatter Disease?

The primary symptoms include pain and tenderness just below the kneecap, swelling at the top of the shinbone, and a noticeable bump in the affected area. Pain often worsens with physical activity and improves with rest. Some individuals may also experience tightness in the quadriceps or hamstring muscles.

 

5. How is Osgood-Schlatter Disease diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose OSD by reviewing medical history and performing a physical examination to check for tenderness, swelling, and the presence of a bony lump. In some cases, X-rays may be used to rule out other knee conditions or assess bone development.

 

6. How is Osgood-Schlatter Disease treated?

Treatment typically focuses on relieving symptoms and allowing the condition to resolve naturally over time. Rest and reducing high-impact activities can help alleviate pain. Applying ice to the affected area can reduce swelling, and stretching or strengthening exercises for the quadriceps and hamstrings may improve flexibility and decrease strain on the knee. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort. In some cases, knee braces or straps may provide additional support and reduce tension on the tendon.

 

7. Can Osgood Schlatter Disease cause long-term problems?

For most individuals, OSD resolves on its own once bone growth is complete. However, some may develop a permanent but harmless bump on the shin or experience occasional discomfort when kneeling or engaging in strenuous activities. Rarely, persistent pain into adulthood may require further medical intervention, including surgery.

 

8. Can Osgood-Schlatter Disease be prevented?

Although OSD cannot always be prevented, maintaining flexibility and strength in the leg muscles can help reduce the risk. Regular stretching, especially for the quadriceps and hamstrings, is beneficial. Gradually increasing physical activity rather than jumping into intense training can also minimize strain on the knee. Proper sports techniques and avoiding overtraining are additional measures that may help prevent symptoms from developing.

 

9. When should I see a doctor?

A doctor should be consulted if pain persists despite rest and home treatment, if swelling becomes significant, or if walking becomes difficult. Additionally, medical attention is recommended if the knee feels unstable, locks, or gives out unexpectedly.