If you have a young, active child, especially one who is passionate about sports, you might be familiar with the challenges that come with growing pains. One of these challenges is a knee pain condition known as Osgood-Schlatter disease. Our 13-year-old son, a keen sportsman, has been dealing with right-side knee pain caused by this condition. As both his parents and physiotherapists, we want to share how we are managing this issue, both in our professional capacity and as concerned parents.
What is Osgood-Schlatter Disease?
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common condition in growing children and adolescents, particularly those who are active in sports involving running, jumping, and quick changes in direction. It’s characterised by pain and swelling just below the knee, where the patellar tendon attaches to the shinbone (tibia). This occurs because the bones, muscles, and tendons are growing at different rates, leading to stress on the growth plate at the top of the shinbone.
Recognising the Signs
As parents, we noticed our son began to complain of knee pain, particularly after rugby practice or other high-impact activities. The pain was more intense during activities that involved running and jumping, and he would often limp afterwards. We also observed a slight swelling and tenderness just below the knee. While these signs are typical of Osgood-Schlatter Disease, every child is different, and symptoms can vary.
How We’re Managing It
Rest and Activity Modification
The first and most challenging step was convincing our son to reduce the number of training sessions for his beloved sports. Rest is crucial to allow the inflammation to subside and the knee to heal. However, complete rest isn’t always necessary. We’ve encouraged low-impact activities like swimming and cycling that keep him active without putting too much strain on his knee.
Physiotherapy and Exercises
As physiotherapists, we understand the importance of strengthening and stretching the surrounding muscles to support the knee. We’ve engaged with his strength and conditioning trainer, Zac Barry, at UR Fitness, who has helped design a personalised exercise program for our son that focuses on strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles. Gentle stretching exercises have also been beneficial in improving flexibility and reducing tension on the growth plate. The emphasis is on getting the load right; in other words, some strain on the knee is required to help promote healing; too much can aggravate the condition and cause setbacks. We strongly advocate supervised and closely monitored exercises to ensure that he does not overdo them.
Pain Management
To manage pain and swelling, we’ve been using a combination of ice therapy and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication when necessary. Applying ice to the knee after activity helps reduce inflammation, while medication can alleviate pain, especially when it’s affecting sleep or daily activities. Dry needling, medical acupuncture, and manual therapy have supported this approach.
Communication and Encouragement
Perhaps the most important part of managing our son’s condition has been maintaining open communication. We’ve reassured him that taking care of his knee now will prevent more serious issues in the future. Encouraging his ambitions while justifying the need for rest has helped him stay positive, even when he’s having to slow down from his favourite activities.
Looking Ahead
Osgood-Schlatter disease usually resolves as children finish growing, but it can be a frustrating condition for both kids and parents. As physiotherapists, we know that with the right management, most children can return to their regular activities without long-term issues. However, the journey requires patience, understanding, and a bit of creativity to keep them engaged in other activities.
If your child is struggling with similar knee pain, know that you’re not alone. Managing Osgood-Schlatter disease involves a combination of rest, physical therapy, pain management, and, most importantly, support and encouragement.
Need Help?
If you’re concerned about your child’s knee pain or if you’d like professional guidance on managing Osgood-Schlatter's disease, we’re here to help. You can contact us at Physiotherapy with LorraineCarroll & SimonCoghlan on the Sunshine Coast for an appointment or advice.
Visit our website at www.lcscphysiotherapy.com.au, or call us at 0735328605. We’re located at Suite 2, 24-26 Gloucester Road, Buderim, 4556. You can also book an appointment online through this link.
By Simon
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