OSGOOD-SCHLATTER DISEASE (Osteochondrosis) |
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General Information
DEFINITION--"Growing pain" at the knee, a temporary condition affecting adolescents who exercise vigorously. The powerful quadriceps muscles of the thigh attach to the lower leg bone (tibia) at a growth zone, a relatively vulnerable area of bone. Pain, tenderness and swelling occur at this point with repeated stress. Sometimes both knees are affected.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Pain following an extended period of vigorous exercise in an adolescent. In more severe cases, pain occurs during less vigorous activity, especially straightening the leg against force, as in stair-climbing, jumping, doing deep knee bends or weight-lifting.
A slightly swollen, warm and tender bump below the knee.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
Repeated, overzealous conditioning routines, such as running, jumping or jogging.
Overweight.
HOW TO PREVENT
Help an overweight child or adolescent lose weight.
Encourage your child to exercise moderately, avoiding extremes.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
X-ray of the knee.
SURGERYNecessary only in severe cases in which a bone fragment forms and remains painful after growth has ceased.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESS
Mild cases can be "lived with" successfully with some reduction of activity level.
Moderate to severe cases may require significantly reduced activity and immobilization for 4 to 8 months.
No permanent defects are expected.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Bone infection.
Development of bone fragment (ossicle) below the affected knee.
Recurrence of the condition in adulthood.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENTNot necessary for mild cases. For moderate or severe cases, the knee may be immobilized with a cast for approximately 2 months.
HOME TREATMENT
Use heat to relieve pain. Warm compresses, heating pads, warm whirlpool baths and heat lamps are effective.
Wear a knee pad below the knee during exercise.
Apply ice to the affected area immediately before and after exercise (if your doctor has cleared you for increased activity).
Avoid kneeling.
MEDICATION
For minor discomfort, you may use non-prescription drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroid injections if other treatment fails. Injections may weaken tendons. Avoid them if possible to allow the condition more time to heal with rest and simpler treatment.
ACTIVITYIf pain is incapacitating, resting the affected leg is the most important treatment. This is done with:
Crutches.
A leg cast or splint.
An elastic knee brace that prevents the knee from bending fully.
During treatment, don't participate in sports that cause pain. Consider switching to a sport that does not cause the same stresses on the knee. The condition is usually temporary, and normal activity can be resumed when inflammation subsides. Mild to moderate activity up to point of pain can sometimes be pursued during treatment phase. Check with your doctor.
DIETNo special diet. Lose weight back to normal if you are overweight.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease.
The following occurs during treatment:
Symptoms don't improve in 4 weeks, despite treatment.
Pain increases.
Temperature rises to 101F (38.3C)
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