Osgood Schlatters is a common condition treated here at The Glen Back Care & Sports Therapy. It is a condition where pain develops just below the knee, at the attachment of the patella tendon to the top of the shin bone, known as the Tibial Tuberosity. This condition commonly develops in early teenage years, when the body is experiencing periods of rapid growth, and is especially prevalent in very active people engaged in a lot of running/jumping activities.
The pain is due to inflammation that develops at this attachment point, due to excessive forces being applied here that the body is not coping with. Often a protruding ‘bump’ develops here, which can become quite large if the condition is not managed correctly. The proper treatment involves initial rest from the running/jumping type activities that have caused the condition. Ice packs can be used to decrease pain and swelling in the local area. Frequently we find the surrounding muscles such as the ‘quads’ and the ‘hamstrings’ are very tight, and these need to be released with massage type therapy and appropriate stretching exercises performed regularly. Once pain has settled and excessive muscle tightness corrected, a gradual return to sport is trialled according to pain levels provoked.
To avoid knee problems in the future it is important that this condition is managed correctly. Our physiotherapists are experts in the management of Osgood Schlatters. To secure your appointment call the practice on 95609393, or book online at www.backcaresports.com.au