Osgood-Schlatter Disease Treatment NJ

Osgood-Schlatter Disease is one of the most common reasons for knee pain in children and teens.  If your child is active, especially in sports that involve a high degree of running and jumping, and is experiencing pain and inflammation just below the kneecap, Osgood-Schlatter Disease could be the underlying cause.  

At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our world-class joint specialists have extensive experience treating Osgood-Schlatter Disease and possess the knowledge and expertise to help your child regain optimal knee joint function as quickly as possible.  To learn more, schedule an initial consultation today.  

Understanding Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Osgood-Schlatter Disease is a condition characterized by pain, swelling, and tenderness in the knee joint, especially where the kneecap (patella) meets the shinbone (tibia).  Most common in children and teens, especially during growth spurts, the condition is caused by overuse of the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone (specifically, a bony bump known as the tibial tuberosity, which is located near the growth plate).  

Repeated stress from movements such as running and jumping causes the thigh muscle (quadriceps) to contract, which can place increased strain on the patellar tendon.  As a result, surrounding structures and tissues, including the growth plate at the top of the tibia, may become irritated, causing the knee to hurt and swell.  

Osgood-Schlatter Disease usually resolves with conservative treatments such as rest, icing, stretching, and physical therapy and doesn’t cause lasting damage to the knee joint.  Risk factors that may increase your child’s likelihood of developing the condition include:

• Being between the ages of 9 and 14
• Being male
• Being involved in sports or athletics that involve a lot of running and jumping (volleyball, basketball, soccer, football, etc.)
• Undergoing a major growth spurt

Surgical treatment for Osgood-Schlatter Disease may be considered in very rare cases where:

• Pain and other symptoms are severe, ongoing, and have been unresponsive to conservative treatment methods
• Pain persists into young adulthood, after growth has stopped

Prevention And Long-Term Outlook

It may not always be possible to prevent Osgood-Schlatter Disease, but the following proactive strategies can help to keep your child’s knees as healthy as possible:

• Always warm up and cool down properly
• Take time to rest and recover after intense physical activity
• Wear proper shoes and protective equipment
• Never play through pain

Overall, the long-term outlook for Osgood-Schlatter Disease is excellent.  The condition nearly always resolves with no lasting damage and disappears entirely once the tibial growth plate hardens in young adulthood.  

When To Seek Professional Help

If your child or teen is experiencing knee pain that is affecting their mobility and quality of life and hasn’t resolved within a few days of rest, it’s time to seek a medical evaluation.  

At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our award-winning doctors possess the knowledge, experience, and expertise to ensure an accurate diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs.  Contact us today to learn more!  We look forward to working with you.