What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter Disease?

Osgood-Schlatter disease affects adolescents' knees during their growth phases. It is more common in active children, especially those involved in sports or other physical activities. The disease occurs when the bones grow faster than the muscles and ligaments. Active adolescents, who use their muscles more than other children, have more problems due to the extra tightening they experience. The disease is highly treatable, especially if the signs and symptoms are noticed early. Symptoms are often confused with other conditions, such as sprains. Treatment includes rest, ice, supports, medication or even surgery for severe cases.

Precursors to Watch For

• Active adolescents between the ages of 10 and 15 are more at risk. Boys are much more likely to develop the disease than girls. Youths that experience tight quadriceps or hamstring muscles are more at risk for Osgood-Schlatter disease. Tight muscles alone are not a sign or symptom, but tightness occurring before the knee pain develops may be an indicator that the child has the disease.

Pain and Swelling

• Pain is the most common symptom of Osgood-Schlatter. Swelling may occur below the knee, on the front of the shin. A bony prominence may develop that is tender to the touch. The knee pain usually becomes more severe with physical activity. Rigorous activity, such as running and jumping, causes the most pain. Rest and restriction of activity improves the level of discomfort. Osgood-Schlatter can affect one or both legs, and pain can range from mild to severe.

Physical Examination

• Other knee conditions have many similar signs and symptoms. A doctor can see definitive symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter during a physical examination. They often use an x-ray to try and look for swelling of the tibia tubercle. However, x-rays do not always show damage. These x-rays may also be used to eliminate any other possible causes of the pain and swelling.