How long does osgood schlatters disease last

The growth plate is weaker and more prone to injury than other parts of the bone. As a result, it can become irritated during physical stress and overuse. The irritation can result in a painful lump below the kneecap. This is the main sign of Osgood-Schlatter disease. Osgood-Schlatter disease is typically diagnosed in adolescents during the beginning of their growth spurts.

Growth spurts usually start between ages 8 and 13 for girls, and between ages 10 and 15 for boys. Teenage athletes who play sports that involve jumping and running are more likely to develop the disease.

In most cases, Osgood-Schlatter disease can be treated successfully with simple measures, such as rest and over-the-counter medication. The severity of these symptoms often varies from person to person.

Some individuals experience only mild pain during certain activities. Others experience constant, debilitating pain that makes it difficult to do any physical activity. The discomfort can last from a few weeks to several years.

The symptoms typically go away once the growth spurt of adolescence is finished. Osgood-Schlatter disease most commonly occurs in children who participate in sports that involve running, jumping, or twisting. These include:. Osgood-Schlatter disease tends to affect boys more often than girls. The age at which the condition occurs can vary by sex, because girls experience puberty earlier than boys.

It usually develops in girls between ages 11 and 12 and in boys between ages 13 and This will usually provide the doctor with enough information to make an Osgood-Schlatter disease diagnosis.

In some cases, the doctor may want to perform a bone X-ray to rule out other potential causes of knee pain. This is also where the patellar tendon attaches. Excessive movements like running or jumping cause the quadriceps muscles to pull on the patellar tendon, which then pulls on the tibial tuberosity. This repetitive stress causes an inflammatory reaction, leading to pain and a bony tender bump just below the kneecap.

Osgood-Schlatter Disease typically develops in children between the ages of 12 and Children who participate in sports that involve running, jumping, and swift changes of direction, such as soccer, basketball, and ballet, are at higher risk than children who do not participate in sports. Symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter Disease usually begin after a recent growth spurt.

Signs to look for include:. The pain associated with Osgood-Schlatter Disease varies from person to person. Some have only mild pain while performing certain activities, especially running and jumping. For others, the pain is nearly constant and debilitating.

It usually occurs in just one knee, but sometimes it develops in both knees. This condition can last from weeks to months and may recur until your child has stopped growing. Sometimes, even after the child has fully grown, pain and discomfort can still be felt. Good flexibility can not only help prevent the onset of Osgood-Schlatter Disease, but it can also help boost recovery.

Below are two gentle and easy stretches that can be done at home to help improve flexibility and release any lingering tension. Although most cases do get better on their own, recovery typically takes several weeks or months. Adolescents can continue to play sports if the activity does not cause pain, but activity and lack of proper treatment can prolong recovery. The cartilage is never as strong as the bone, so high levels of stress can cause the growth plate to begin to hurt and swell.

The tendon from the kneecap patella attaches down to the growth plate in the front of the leg bone tibia. The thigh muscles quadriceps attach to the patella, and when they pull on the patella, this puts tension on the patellar tendon. The patellar tendon then pulls on the tibia, in the area of the growth plate.

Any movements that cause repeated extension of the leg can lead to tenderness at the point where the patellar tendon attaches to the top of the tibia. Activities that put stress on the knee—especially squatting, bending or running uphill or stadium steps —cause the tissue around the growth plate to hurt and swell.

It also hurts to hit or bump the tender area. Kneeling can be very painful. Osgood-Schlatter disease usually goes away with time and rest. Sports activities that require running, jumping or other deep knee-bending should be limited until the tenderness and swelling subside.

Kneepads can be used by athletes who participate in sports where the knee might make contact with the playing surface or other players. Some athletes find wearing a patellar tendon strap below the kneecap can help decrease the pull on the tibial tubercle.

Ice packs after activity are helpful, and ice can be applied two to three times a day, 20 to 30 minutes at a time, if necessary.