We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Osgood Schlatters Disease?

By Bethney Foster
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,924
Share

Osgood Schlatters disease is an injury caused by overuse that affects the knee in children. It occurs during adolescent growth spurts and most often affects children who are involved in sports. It is estimated that one in five children who participate in sports will experience Osgood Schlatters disease, and it is the most common cause of knee pain in adolescents. The stress of running, jumping, and other activity causes the tendon from the knee bone to the shin bone to pull, resulting in the condition.

Sports that require the participant to suddenly change her direction, such as soccer, basketball, or ballet dancing, are those most likely to cause the condition. Other sports that commonly result in the condition are football, volleyball, and figure skating. Many children diagnosed with Osgood Schlatters disease have some history of trauma to the knee area within the last couple years.

More boys develop Osgood Schlatters disease than girls. This is only because boys are more likely to be involved in sports. Female athletes are just as likely as male athletes to develop the condition. Osgood Schlatters disease usually affects boys at about 13 years old and girls about 11 years old.

In addition to a lump just below the kneecap, symptoms include pain below the kneecap, with the pain being worse when the child is active. Pain may be mild to severe, but is most often in only one knee. It may go away but recur from time to time. There may be swelling below the kneecap and above the shin. The child may also limp after activity.

In most instances, the condition resolves itself once bone growth has stopped, usually within one to two years of the onset of symptoms. Treatment during adolescence usually includes the application of ice and over-the-counter medications for pain and swelling. In some cases, physical therapy may also be recommended. It’s often recommended that children not participate in sports while the pain is active and that they take a break from sports when there is a recurrence of the pain. If the condition is severe, the child’s physician may recommend using a knee immobilizer for a period of time.

Osgood Schlatters disease cannot always be prevented, but certain steps may help. Children should be encouraged to stretch before activity. Knee pads may also help to protect the knees from damage, and a knee brace may be helpful during activity. Applying heat before activity and ice afterward may also help to reduce swelling.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-osgood-schlatters-disease.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.