08 Jul WHAT IS OSGOOD – SCHLATTER DISEASE
Osgood – Schlatter Disease (OSD) is one of the most common knee ailments occurring in preteens and adolescents. This condition is not a “disease” but rather an injury from overuse and is not as serious as it sounds, but for some children, it can be very painful, as well as restrict their movement, level of activity and their participation in sports. OSD is a condition more commonly seen in boys, but it can occur in girls who are active in sports.
As mentioned above, OSD is not a disease but rather an injury due to overuse, seen in children during periods of rapid growth when their muscles, bones and tendons are quickly changing. During this growth period, more tension is placed on the patella tendon of the knee. The patella runs over the kneecap and attaches onto the tibial tuberosity (the upper area of the shin). OSD occurs when the upper area of the shin gets inflamed and becomes painful and tender due to micro-fractures appearing in the tibial tubercle. The injury or condition is aggravated by activities and sports. Any sports that involve knee movements such as running, jumping or twisting (sports such as football, basketball, rugby, tennis or hockey) will increase your child’s risk for getting OSD.
The process or duration of this condition will vary between each child. It will often improve after their growth period has slowed down. OSD may take between 12 to 24 months before it resolves itself, but until then your child may be in a great deal of pain.
Conditions of OSD may include:
- Knee pain in both the legs
- The pain being most severe when your child is active
- Tenderness around the knee
- Hip and foot pain may be caused by OSD
Osteopathic treatment for OSD can help to keep your child involved in their sporting activities. Treatment such as a soft tissue massage is aimed at reducing swelling or inflammation, as well as improving the function of the knee, leg, hips and feet. Osteopathy can also be used to reduce the tension and improve the balance of the tendons and muscles associated with OSD. Time away from sports and modified exercise will likely be recommended for your child.
At home you can try the PRICE method to help relieve pain and ease discomfort.
Protection: protect the area from further damage.
Rest: rest the ankle by avoiding activities that cause pain, swelling and discomfort.
Ice: place an icepack on the injured area for 15 – 20 minutes and repeat every 2 – 3 hours.
Compression: compress the ankle with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops, be careful not to stop blood flow.
Elevation: Elevate the ankle to a level above the heart as gravity will assist in draining the excess fluids.
Osteopathy takes a holistic approach to treating musculoskeletal ailments. It can be used to diagnose, treat and prevent MSK conditions. Osteopathy is a complementary form of treatment that can be used alongside other forms of treatment such as physiotherapy.
At OsteoVision, our practitioners are trained to treat a wide range of conditions. Please contact us if you would like to discuss your child’s symptoms, would like to book an appointment, or require more information about Osgood – Schlatter Disease.
Call: 03303 904 300
Email: info@osteovision.life
You can also book an appointment online at www.osteovision.life
Bibliography:
Coulton, B., 2017. Is Osgood-Schlatter disease as serious as it sounds? – East Gippsland Osteopathic Clinic. [online] East Gippsland Osteopathic Clinic. Available at: <https://eastgippslandosteopathy.com.au/2017/08/is-osgood-schlatter-disease-as-serious-as-it-sounds/> [Accessed 25 July 2021].
theOsteopath.net. n.d. Osgood Schlatters Disease. [online] Available at: <http://theosteopath.net/injuries-treated/knee-injuries/osgood-schlatters-disease/> [Accessed 25 July 2021].