Osgood-Schlatter Disease: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Osgood-Schlatter Disease is characterized by inflammation of the tibial tuberosity which is the area just below the knee, where the patellar tendon attaches to the shinbone (tibia).  The condition is characterized by a painful lump just below the kneecap. It is generally seen in young adolescents aged 9 to 16 years.

 

Causes

 

Osgood-Schlatter Disease is mainly caused as a result of overuse injuries during sports activities such as running, jumping, volleyball etc. It exerts additional stress over the quadriceps muscles which cause pain, irritation and swelling. The condition occurs during growth spurts of adolescence due to changes in the structure of bone, muscles, tendons etc. Boys are at a higher risk of developing Osgood-Schlatter Disease because they are more involved in sports activities as compared to girls.

 

Symptoms

• Pain in the front and lower part of the knee
• Tight muscles in front or back of the thigh
• Swelling
• Pain increases while running or climbing stairs
• Tenderness

Diagnosis

The orthopedic doctor may thoroughly examine the knee and apply pressure to the tibial tubercle to assess pain and swelling. He may also ask the patient to kneel, walk or jump to check for symptoms. Certain imaging tests such as an X-ray may also be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.

 

Treatment

 

Non-surgical treatment:

• Medications: Anti-inflammatory medicines may be recommended by the doctor to provide relief from pain and inflammation.
• Rest: The orthopedic doctor may suggest the patient to take proper rest. Vigorous activities such as running, jumping should also be halted to avoid straining the joint.
• Ice: Applying ice packs at frequent intervals can be beneficial to ease pain and compress swelling.
• Physical therapy: Performing certain exercises, as suggested by the physical therapist, can help to speed up recovery.
• Brace: Wearing a cast or brace can help to provide support to the affected knee.

In severe cases, when non-surgical treatment does not provide relief, surgery may be required to remove the small part of the bone that gets separated.

 

Prevention

• Children should wear kneepads while playing sports in order to prevent themselves from getting injured.
• Avoiding strenuous activities such as running, jumping , soccer, rugby etc. can also prevent the onset of the condition.

It is advisable to consult an orthopedic doctor for proper treatment.

Orthopedic Treatment For Knee Fracture

Knee is a complex and largest joint of the human body. It joins the thigh with the leg and plays an important part in movement of the body. A knee fracture is caused when any of the bones in the joint crack or break due to the application of severe force or an injury. Fractures in the knee are common among children and people who regularly take part in sports activities or have low bone strength.

Causes

• Intense injuries
• Accident
• Repetitive activities
• Arthritis
• Dislocation
• Severe fall

Symptoms

• Severe pain
• Swelling around the joint
• Cracking or popping sound
• Deformity
• Inability to move the joint
• Pale and cold foot
• Numbness around the foot and the joint
• Inability to put weight on the joint

Diagnosis

The orthopedic doctor may diagnose a knee fracture with the help of physical examination. He may ask the patient to move the leg in a particular manner and examine the extent of swelling as well as deformity. The orthopedic surgeon may ask questions about the medical history and the nature of injury that lead to the fracture. He may prescribe certain imaging tests like X-ray, CT- scans, MRI etc. to closely view the damage caused to the bone. The orthopedic doctor devises a treatment plan after determining the extent of the condition.

Treatment

• Immobilization: The orthopedic doctor may suggest limiting the movement of the affected joint. This will assist in healing and prevent the joint from bearing any weight.

• Brace: He may ask the patient to wear braces or a cast in order to hold the broken bone in place and allow it to heal.

• Medication: Anti-inflammatory medicines may be prescribed to reduce the swelling in the affected area. They can help in minimizing pain and numbness caused due to the injury.

• R.I.C.E.: The patient may be asked to follow the R.I.C.E. treatment procedure i.e. rest, ice, compression and elevation to minimize pain and swelling.

• Physical Therapy: Certain strengthening and stretching exercises can help to restore movement in the affected knee.

• Surgery: In severe cases, when non-surgical methods do not offer relief, the doctor may suggest a surgical procedure in order to join the bone. Surgery is followed by post-surgical care and rehabilitation during which the doctor’s instructions must be followed.

A knee fracture may take 6 to 8 weeks to heal and regain complete mobility of the joint. In case of a knee fracture you must consult an orthopedic surgeon for immediate and proper medical attention.