Osgood-Schlatter disease is an inflammatory disease that affects the front side of the lower knee area. It presents itself as a bony protrusion right below the kneecap (the patella) and above the shin area as well as pain and tenderness in the kneecap. It is most common with adolescent athletes who participate in high impact sports.
How Does This Happen?
Osgood Schlatter disease occurs in children, especially high-intensity athletes, who are hitting puberty and experiencing growth spurts. This is because the quick, high-impact movements (jumping, running, turning) can put stress on the growth plate area located between the kneecap and the thigh bone. When there is repetitive pulling in this area, it can cause swelling and pain. It usually occurs on only one side.
Signs of Osgood-Schlatter Disease
- Highly active child who is experiencing a growth spurt
- Knee pain, swelling, and tenderness
- Pain and tenderness while swatting, bending, kneeling, running, jumping
How Do You Fix It?
While enough time and rest will often correct the issue, here are some exercises that we recommend for your child to help stabilize his or her knee and leg:
- Release – Rectus Femoris & Vastus lateralis / both sides 2min
- Activate – Gluteals & Medial Hamstrings / both sides 2 x 20
- Integrate – Single leg squat / both sides 2 x 20
- Strengthen – Gluteals – side lying hip extension / both sides 2 x 20