Osgood Schlatter’s Disease

It’s characterized by inflammation in the area just below the knee where the tendon from the kneecap (patellar tendon) attaches to the shinbone (tibia). It is an overuse knee injury rather than a traumatic injury.

This condition most often develops during growth spurts when bones, muscles, tendons, and other structures are growing quickly and not always at the same rate.

Frequent use and physical stress cause inflammation at the point where the tendon from the kneecap (patella) attaches to the shinbone (tibia). The patellar tendon remains strong, but the attachment at the growth plate can be weak and slowly separate. As the growth plate tries to heal, extra bone will form. This may be noticed as a bump at the front of the knee.

Osgood-Schlatter’s disease occurs most often in children who play sports that involve running, jumping and changes of direction – such as soccer, basketball, skating and ballet-because of the additional stress the physical activity puts on bones and muscles. In most cases, the condition usually resolves by itself once the child’s bones stop growing. Simple measures can be taken, such as rest over-the-counter medication, and stretching and strengthening exercises