Osgood Schlatter Disease

Osgood–Schlatter disease (OS) or syndrome (also known as tibial tubercle apophyseal traction injury and epiphysitis of the tibular tubercle) is an irritation of the patellar ligament at the tibial tuberosity It is characterized by painful lumps just below the knee and is most often seen in young adolescents. Risk factors include excess weight and overzealous conditioning (running and jumping).

Symptoms of Osgood Schlatters Disease

• Pain at the tibial tuberosity (or bony bit at the top of the shin) just below the knee.
• The tibial tuberosity may become swollen or inflamed and may even become more prominent than the other side.
• Tenderness and pain is worse during and after exercise.
• Pain when contracting the quadriceps against resistance or when contracting the muscles with the leg straight.

Osgood-Schlatter Disease in Adults

Osgood-Schlatter disease is typical in teenagers especially boys below the age of 17. However contrary to this popular belief, OS does affect adults. The affected adults have had OS since their teenage years, the protruding lump below their knee caps still visible long after their teens. Some have reported severe pain while others say they feel perfectly normal except for the protruding tissue. 

Pain however, is felt by all when pressure is applied below the knees for example kneeling down. It is also extremely difficult for OS sufferers to sit cross legged.

Treatment for Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Treatment for OS is RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). However, if the disease prevails into adulthood, surgery is needed.

OS sufferers are advised to take ample rest, usually a few months to completely rid themselves of this problem lest it worsens.