Osgood-Schlatter Disease Treatment for Children

Young athletes often suffer from Osgood-Schlatter disease, which causes knee pain. As a parent, it is difficult to see your child in pain but luckily, there is Osgood-Schlatter disease treatment available, which can often be conducted at home. While all children can suffer from this disease, it is typically found in pre-teen and teenage boys, generally during a growth spurt. One or both knees can suffer from the pain of Osgood-Schlatter disease, which causes pain, swelling, and tenderness just below the knee.

Cause of Osgood-Schlatter Disease

It is believed the cause of Osgood-Schlatter disease is when the patellar tendons, which connect the knee to the shin, pull away from the shin bone, resulting in the pain. Young athletes who participate in football, soccer, or basketball often experience this disease. Other activities, such as those that require running and jumping, can be the cause of Osgood-Schlatter disease. To properly diagnose this disease, a doctor will perform a physical examination and a knee x-ray to ensure the pain is not caused by another condition.

Osgood-Schlatter Disease Treatment

Osgood-Schlatter disease treatment in children requires nothing more than resting the area and limiting activities until the pain subsides. If a growth spurt is the cause of the pain, the pain will subside after the growth spurt is complete. If activities are the cause of the pain, Osgood-Schlatter disease treatment involves resting the area.

To relieve the pain at home, it is important to use the RICE method. The RICE method involves the use of Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It is essential the knee is rested until the pain subsides. While resting the knee, apply ice to the knee 3 times a day for 20 minute sessions. When the knee is not being iced, compression should be applied using an elastic bandage, relieving pain and swelling. While resting the leg, ensure it is elevated above the heart. In some cases, a doctor may recommend your child wears a knee brace. Over the counter pain killers can be used to relieve the pain as well.

Recovery time for Osgood-Schlatter disease can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. After the pain has dissipated, your child can begin resuming regular activities in moderation to ensure the pain does not return. After the pain has subsided, the disease can later return. To prevent Osgood-Schlatter disease from reoccurring it is essential the muscles and tendons in the leg are strengthened.

References:
"Osgood-Schlatter Disease" Family Doctor
"Osgood-Schlatter Disease" Osgood-Schlatter
"Osgood-Schlatter" Kids Health