What is Osgood-Schlatters Disease?

The following article is reproduced from Belgrave JFC website and may be of interest to players and parents -

"Most kids go straight from the car to full kicking to each other with absolutely no stretching or warm up before kicking (training or game situation), or warming down". Does this sound familiar? Perhaps the injury described below does also.

This is a common condition in which a child or adolescent (usually 9-14 years) complains of pain at the front of the knee joint just below the kneecap. It is more common in boys (but does occur in girls at a slightly younger age) and is caused by a ligament pulling repeatedly on a growing bone. It usually only affects one knee but can affect both.

Essentially, the bony protrusion below the knee( called the tibial tuberosity) becomes inflamed. The patella tendon inserts here and through overuse can tug away at the bone causing inflammation. New bone grows back causing a bony lump.

Symptoms

Swelling just below the kneecap Tenderness and pain on the tibial tuberosity during and after exercise. Pain when contracting the quadriceps against resistance. An x-ray may be needed to confirm and to see how much damage has occurred. This disease can occur in one or both knees. Also very common it can be accompanied with Severs Disease which is inflammation of the Achilles Tendon.

Prevention
The only prevention of both these diseases is proper stretching before during and after exercise. Tight quadriceps muscles cause a “tugging” stress on the patella tendon where it inserts into the tibial tuberosity, so doing stretching exercises for the quadriceps, hamstrings and calves may help prevent this condition. Stretching and flexibility should focus on the quadriceps and hip flexor muscles and should be done before, during and after each bout of activity. eg: Straight Leg Hamstrings Stretch, Standing, Quadriceps Stretch and Lifting up onto your toes then rolling back onto your heels lifting your toes off the ground.

Also the use of Orthopedic inserts in their shoes and footy boots can help especially if their ankles roll inwards.

Treatment

I.C.E (Ice, Compression, Elevation) and Rest. Sometimes, if severe, needs to be put in a cast so the injured knee is made to rest. Once the pain has completely gone your child can slowly resume activities and work on the leg to regain strength. The pain can recur and if it does the treatment needs to be restarted.

Note : The above article is supplied 'as-is' and treatment options are for your information only. Consult a medical professional if you feel this condition effects you or a player.