Osgood-Schlatter's Disease

What is Osgood Schlatters disease? This is a condition where 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. It mainly affects boys aged 10 to 16 years old. What are the symptoms? Swelling just below the kneecap. Tenderness and pain on the tibial tuberosity during and after exercise. Pain when contracting the quadriceps against resistance. What can the athlete do? Rest. This injury needs rest if it is to heal. You must only do as much exercise as it will allow you. Weight bearing exercise will make it worse. Keep your sessions few and high quality rather than train every day. Apply heat and use a heat retainer. See a sports injury professional. A Doctor or Sports Injury Specialist can: X ray to see exactly how much damage has occurred. Apply a plaster cast for three weeks if pain is severe. Prescribe an exercise programme that will allow you to do as much exercise as possible and get the best results from your training. Rehabilitation is not really what you need with this one, rest is! However if you have a good trainer or coach they should be able to manage your training to get the best results from what you are able to do. This is an unfortunate injury that you will grow out of as long as you don't over do it.   The information contained on this site is purely a source of information and can at no time replace the expert eye of a qualified professional. We recommend seeking professional advice before embarking on any form of self treatment. Neither the content or nor any other service provided through mybesttennis.com is intended to be relied on for medical diagnosis or treatment. Never delay in seeking professional advice because of something seen on mybesttennis.com.