What you Knee’d to know about your child’s knee pain

Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) is one of the most common causes for anterior knee pain in growing adolescents. OSD is caused by traction apophysitis of the tibial tubercle and causes inflammation of this region. This means that the patella tendon that originates at the base of the knee cap (patella) and attaches to the shin bone (tibial tubercle) is being irritated and causing inflammation.

OSD most commonly affects children aged 9 – 14 years of age who are undergoing a rapid growth spurt. Children who are actively involved in sports that include running and jumping are also more likely to develop this condition.

The main goal of OSD treatment is to reduce pain and swelling over the tibial tuberosity. Limiting the degree of participation of sport temporarily may aid in a quicker recovery time with less intervention needed. Icing the front of the knee daily to reduce swelling may also be beneficial. Chiropractic treatment of OSD may include joint mobilizations on the tibiofemoral joint and additionally femoroacetabular and talocrural joints to ensure they are not affected by any possible change in gait. Soft tissue therapy to surrounding musculatures such as hamstrings, quadriceps muscles and gastrocnemius may be beneficial. Home strengthening and stretching exercises may additionally be beneficial. Taping of the knee has also been shown to reduce pain and provide support when playing sport.

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/osgood-schlatter-disease-knee-pain/