Tedd Girouard MS, LAT, ATC
Head Athletic Trainer FC Las Vegas
Osgood-Schlatter Disease is the formation of a scar tissue
on the front of the shinbone (tibia) just below your knee.
This may appear as a bump which when forming may cause
discomfort that can be so severe you may not be able to
play soccer when it is at its worse. The scar is comprised
of excess calcium being deposited in the area during times
of increased stress. This usually occurs during an adolescent
growth phase.
What
Causes Osgood-Schlatter Disease?
It is generally thought to be due to an increased
demand on something called the patellar tendon. This
tendon joins the quadriceps muscle to the tibia via
the kneecap. If your quadriceps muscles are too tight
or you overwork them without maintaining a stretching
program this condition may occur. It is also generally
accepted that when you go through a growth spurt
your bones may grow faster than your muscles. This
may cause tightness in your quadriceps and increased
tension in your quadriceps tendon, which may lead
to Osgood-Schlatter Disease. The bump on your tibia
(shin bone) is made up of scar tissue that continues
to build up over time.(See knee diagram to the right
for anatomical location of this injury)
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Management:
If you notice pain in this area you should seek
the attention of your family physician to determine
if you have Osgood-Schlatter Disease. If it is determined
that you are suffering form this condition you should
follow your physicians advice which should include
a quadriceps stretching regime, ice massage, anti-inflammatory
medication, and rest. Some certified athletic trainers
may also advocate the working your quadriceps muscles
in a way that they do not cause your knee to move.
An example of this is a wall sit.
Some relief may also be provide by taping appropriately
applied by a Certified Athletic Trainer.
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If your pain or function gets worse with time or does
not improve consult your local physician.
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