Osgood Schlatter's Disease

Osgood Schlatter's disease is a common disease mainly affecting active adolescents, with males being more predominantly affected than females. It is an inflammation of the attachment of the quadriceps insertion just below the knee. This point is known as THE TIBIAL TUBEROSITY. The condition comes under the classification of conditions known as TRACTION APOPHYSITIS.

The condition is characterised by localised swelling and tenderness over the tibial tuberosity. Sufferers complain of stiffness and aching pain following activity. Actual physical performance is not normally affected.

The cause of the condition is excessive pulling or traction on the tibial tuberosity by the quadriceps muscle. Adolescents tend to suffer because their immature skeletons are not fully ossified and are not capable of withstanding excessive forces generated in activity by the quadriceps muscle. The condition is normally bilateral, meaning it affects the right and left legs concurrently.

In my experience as an international therapist and having been a sufferer myself I believe that the only and most effective treatment is a period of three months complete rest from sporting activity. This will allow the inflammation to settle fully. The rest may have to include avoidance of such activities as playing, cycling and hard swimming, because all of these activities involve the quadriceps.

The normal anti-inflammatory treatments (medication and electrotherapy) can help but in my opinion as the three month rule is necessary the condition will settle on its own in this time anyway. Following this period of rest there are not normally any re-occurrence of the condition and a graduated rehabilitation program will ensure a healthy return to normal activities over a period of three around three to six weeks.

For further information on the full management of and rehabilitation following Osgood Schlatter's Disease please click here