Is your sporty teenager complaining of sore knees after sport?
Osgood-schlatter’s disease could be the reason for such pain. The main risk factors are:
- Age – Osgood-Schlatter’s usually occurs during growth spurts in teenagers. Age differs between sexes as girls tend to hit puberty before boys. Girls are usually affected with Osgood-Schlatter’s from 11-12, while in boys it typically occurs between the ages of 13-14.
- Sex – Osgood-Schlatter’s usually occurs in boys, but it is being seen in girls more and more as they increase their participation in sports.
- Sports – the condition occurs more frequently in sports that involve a lot of running, jumping and explosive movements.
The quadriceps muscle (thigh) straightens the knee. When this muscle works it pulls on the patella (kneecap), which pulls on the patellar tendon, which is attached to the tibia (shin bone). Overuse of the quadriceps muscle can cause repetitive strain on the patellar tendon’s attachment to the tibia.
Because of the growth spurt the tibia hasn’t stopped growing and isn’t strong enough to take the strain on it. This can sometimes cause redness and soreness where the ligament attaches to the bone. In some cases, a small bit of bone can be pulled off the tibia by the pulling ligament. A bony bump may form which is known as a callus, or healing bone.
It is best to have a physical assessment with a chartered physiotherapists: book online @ https://physiotherapyworks.ie or call us on 045-866075. We are open until 9pm Monday to Thursday and until 6pm Fridays.
Rest: As this condition occurs in young athletes participating in a high level of physical activity it may be useful to rest from one or two of the large sports they play. There is no need to rest completely, pain should be the main guide to the limitation of activity
Ice: Applying ice to the affected area can give some relief. The guidelines suggest ice for 15-20 minutes, three times a day
Electrotherapy: A trial of electrotherapy by your Chartered Physiotherapist may be helpful. It is suggested that a course of 2-3 sessions should be trialled. However if this doesn’t help it should be ceased.
Massage: Tightness in the quadriceps muscle group may predispose an athlete to this condition. The athlete should commence a stretching and massage programme to increase flexibility in the quadriceps.
Biomechanical Assessment of Feet: A Chartered Physiotherapist can assess the athlete’s biomechanical make up. An orthotic may be useful if there are any biomechanical abnormalities noted.
As advice from the internet is not always suitable for everyone it should be followed pain-free only. If you experience any problems or pain following this advice you should consult one of our Chartered Physiotherapists on 045 866075 or book online at https://physiotherapyworks.ie