Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common cause of knee pain in adolescents, particularly those who are active in sports or physical activities. It occurs due to inflammation of the patellar tendon at the tibial tuberosity (the bony prominence just below the knee). This condition is often linked to repetitive stress and is prevalent during periods of rapid growth.
Understanding Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Osgood-Schlatter disease is characterised by:
Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and tenderness just below the knee, particularly where the patellar tendon attaches to the tibia. Symptoms are often exacerbated by physical activity and relieved by rest.
Age Group: Most commonly affects adolescents aged 10 to 15 years, during periods of rapid growth.
Causes: Repetitive stress and strain on the knee due to activities such as running, jumping, and squatting can lead to irritation and inflammation at the tibial tuberosity.
Initial Management and Assessment
Diagnosis Confirmation:
Physical Examination: Assessment of pain, tenderness, swelling, and range of motion around the knee.
Imaging: X-rays may be used to rule out other conditions and to assess the severity of the inflammation.
Initial Treatment Goals:
Pain Management: Use of ice packs to reduce inflammation and pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be recommended by a healthcare provider.
Rest and Activity Modification: Temporary reduction or modification of activities that exacerbate symptoms, allowing time for inflammation to subside.
Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Phases
Early Rehabilitation Goals:
Stretching Exercises: Gentle stretches for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles to reduce tension on the patellar tendon.
Strengthening Exercises: Focus on strengthening the quadriceps and hip muscles to provide better support and reduce strain on the knee.
Patellar Tendon Support: Use of patellar tendon straps or braces to alleviate stress on the tibial tuberosity.
Progressive Rehabilitation:
Advanced Strengthening: Incorporation of more dynamic exercises to strengthen the lower limb muscles, including resistance training and functional exercises.
Balance and Proprioception Training: Exercises to improve balance and proprioception, which are crucial for functional movement and injury prevention.
Biomechanical Analysis: Assessment of gait and movement patterns to identify and address any contributing factors or incorrect biomechanics.
Return to Activity and Prevention
Functional Recovery:
Gradual Reintroduction of Activities: Slowly increasing the intensity and volume of physical activities, ensuring that symptoms do not worsen.
Sport-Specific Training: Tailored exercises and drills to safely return to sports and activities, focusing on proper technique and injury prevention.
Education and Long-Term Management:
Ongoing Exercise Program: Development of a home exercise program to maintain strength, flexibility, and overall knee health.
Footwear and Equipment: Guidance on appropriate footwear and use of supportive equipment to reduce knee strain.
Activity Modifications: Recommendations on adjusting activity levels and techniques to prevent recurrence of symptoms.
Education on proper activity management and ongoing self-care is crucial for long-term success. Through a combination of these strategies, physiotherapists can effectively guide adolescents through the recovery process, ensuring a healthy return to their favourite sports and activities while minimising the risk of future complications.
Comments