Osgood-Schlatter disease

Updated: 2024-01-06

Description

A condition in which the area where the tendon from the kneecap connects to the shinbone becomes inflamed and swollen, causing pain just below the knee.

Overview

Osgood-Schlatter disease occurs in teenagers. Most often, it happens during growth spurts. The risk is higher in children who play sports. This is due to the extra stress that activity puts on muscles and bones.

Symptoms

Osgood-Schlatter disease can cause knee pain or swelling at the bony bump where the tendon from the kneecap connects to the shinbone. Muscles in the front or back of the thigh may be tight as well.

Treatments

Osgood-Schlatter disease treatments include rest from painful activities, ice packs, stretching, strength training, knee straps, and pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve).