Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Knee and lower leg conditions can affect every aspect of your life, from your ability to do your job to the time you spend on your favorite activities. At TriHealth Orthopedic & Sports Institute and Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, our team cares for a wide range of problems that affect muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons.

Our team of physicians and specialists provide patient-centered care, helping you get back in the game and back to pain-free movement.

Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Osgood-Schlatter disease, or inflammation of the area where the kneecap and shinbone meet, affects growing young adults, especially those who play sports or are very active. It is a common cause of knee pain but is often relieved with non-invasive treatments.

Osgood-Schlatter disease causes

Osgood-Schlatter disease occurs when the body is growing very quickly. This can cause stress and inflammation of the growth plate (an area where bone grows). Osgood-Schlatter disease affects the growth plate where the kneecap tendon (patellar tendon) connects to the shinbone (tibia).

Osgood-Schlatter disease symptoms

Young people with Osgood-Schlatter disease may experience symptoms such as:

• Pain just below the kneecap
• Swelling just below the kneecap
• Tenderness just below the kneecap
• Tightness in the hip and thigh

Osgood-Schlatter disease treatment

Fortunately, you can find relief from Osgood-Schlatter disease with noninvasive treatment, including:

• Over-the-counter pain medicines
• Physical therapy
• Rest from activities
• Stretching

Osgood-Schlatter disease risk factors

You may be at a higher risk for Osgood-Schlatter disease if you are:

• A boy, though an increasing number of girls are experiencing this condition
• An adolescent between the ages of 10 and 14
• Participating in activities that involve a lot of jumping, running or fast changes in direction
• Inflexible, particularly in the thigh muscles (quadriceps)

Osgood-Schlatter disease prevention

You may not be able to prevent Osgood-Schlatter disease, but you can lower your risks by:

• Avoiding sports that pull at the night through repeated jumping or lots of running
• Stretching your leg muscles to keep them flexible
• Taking plenty of rest from activities, especially if you experience pain
• Wearing supportive shoes that absorb shock

Make an appointment

Find out the cause of your knee pain. To learn more or make an appointment with a sports medicine specialist: Call TriHealth at 513 246 2300 or our orthopedic partner, Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, at 513 354 3700.