Knee Pain in Active Teenagers: What Could It Be?

Growing Pains in the Knee

Osgood-Schlatter Disease (OSD), sometimes known as Osgood-Schlatter Syndrome, is a common knee condition that affects young athletes and active teenagers. It causes pain and swelling in the tibial tubercle, a bony bump just below the kneecap. 

Causes of Osgood-Schlatter Disease

OSD occurs when the patella tendon, which connects the kneecap to the tibia, repeatedly pulls on the tibial tubercle (that knobbly bit below your kneecap). This pulling can cause inflammation and damage to the growth plate at the top of the shin, resulting in pain, swelling, and tenderness.

This condition is more common in boys than girls and usually affects kids between 11 and 14 years old, as this is a time of rapid growth. A similar condition called Sinding Larsen Johansson Syndrome affects the patella growth plate.

Symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter Disease

The main symptoms of OSD are pain and swelling below the kneecap. The pain is often worse with activities such as running or jumping and improves with rest. Other symptoms may include:

• Tenderness to the touch
• A noticeable bump below the kneecap
• Limited range of motion in the knee

Treatment of Osgood-Schlatter Disease

OSD is a self-limiting condition, meaning that it will usually resolve on its own within 12 to 18 months. However, if ignored it may develop into a large bump below the kneecap.  

Physiotherapy for Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Physiotherapy can be helpful in managing the pain and discomfort of OSD, and in helping to improve the range of motion and strength of the knee joint. Your physiotherapist can teach you exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the knee and can also provide advice on how to modify your activities to avoid further pain.

Acute Management of Osgood-Schlatters?

There are many acute physiotherapy techniques that can be undertaken to manage the pain and discomfort as well as reduce the chances of developing a bony bump:

• Active Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the pain is important.
• Ice: Applying ice packs to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help to manage pain and inflammation.
• Massage: Reducing quadriceps and ITB muscle tension may provide significant pain relief.
• Stretches & exercises: Certain types of stretching, rollering and exercising can help to reduce the tension on the patella tendon, reducing pain and inflammation.

Rehabilitation Timeframe

The rehabilitation time for OSD varies depending on the severity of the condition. However, most people will see improvement within a few weeks of starting treatment.

Prevention of Osgood-Schlatter Disease

There is no proven method to prevent OSD, but there are some things that may help to reduce the risk:

• Gradual increase in activity levels: This is especially important for young athletes.
• Wearing supportive footwear: This can help to reduce stress on the knee joint.
• Stretching and strengthening exercises: These can help to improve the flexibility and strength of the muscles around the knee.

If you are experiencing knee pain, it is important to see your physiotherapist or doctor to get a diagnosis and discuss treatment options.

Book here to see your physiotherapist about your 

More Information: 

• Osgood-Schlatter Disease
• Sinding Larsen Johansson Syndrome
• Kids Leg Pain
• Knee Pain FAQs

      

www.physioworks.com.au

Ashgrove - 33664221    Clayfield - 38624544    Sandgate - 32691122

#SandgatePhysioWorks #AshgrovePhysioWorks #ClayfieldPhysioWorks #PW #Health #Physio #PhysioNearMe #YouthSportsInjury #OsgoodSchlatter #KneePainRelief #ActiveTeens #PhysioTips #GrowingPains #SportsPhysiotherapy