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Osgood Schlatter Disease

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common knee problem seen in growing adolescents.

What is Osgood Schlatter Disease?

Osgood-Schlatter disease refers to a condition in older children and teenagers caused by excessive stress to the patellar tendon (located below the kneecap). Participants in sports such as soccer, gymnastics, basketball, and distance running are at higher risk for this disease.

Causes

The causes of Osgood-Schlatter disease include:

Outdoor sports activities involving a lot of running and jumping exerts stress on the thigh muscles, which in turn pulls the patellar tendon that connects the kneecap to the tibia. Repeated stress can cause the tendon to shift away from the tibia, causing pain and swelling of the affected knee. In some cases, the body may try to close the gap with new bone growth which results in a bony lump in that region. 

Symptoms

The main symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease include:

  • Knee pain
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness below the kneecap area

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Osgood-Schlatter disease includes a review of your symptoms and medical history. A physical examination will be performed by your doctor to check the affected knee for pain, swelling, and inflammation. X-ray or MRI scanning may be ordered to view the bones of the knee and examine the tendon and tibia more closely.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and swelling. The treatment includes the use of anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. Physical therapy may include strengthening exercises for the thigh muscles to help stabilize the knee joint. Most Osgood-Schlatter symptoms disappear after the adolescent growth spurt has ended.

  • The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
  • American Association of Hand Surgery
  • American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons
  • American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
  • American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery
  • American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery
  • Virginia Orthopaedic Society, Sentara
  • Sentara
  • Chesapeake Regional Medical Center
  • 5801 Harbour View Blvd
    Suite 200
    Suffolk, VA 23435

    Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

  • 501 Discovery Drive
    Chesapeake, VA 23320

    Monday-Friday
    8am-5pm

  • 150 Burnett’s Way
    Suite 100
    Suffolk, VA 23434

    Monday-Friday 8am-5pm