Osgood-Schlatter disease is characterized by a painful lump below the kneecap in children and adolescents; usually, during a growth spurt during puberty. The condition is more prevalent in children who take part in sports involving jumping, running and rapid changes of direction like basketball, skating and ballet.
By and large, Osgood-Schlatter disease is commoner in boys; however, the gender gap is narrowing as more girls are taking part in sports.
Causes And Symptoms Of Osgood Schlatter Disease
During activities which involve jumping, running and bending like basketball, volleyball, skating and ballet, the quadriceps (thigh muscles) tug on the tendon connecting the patella (kneecap) to the shinbone.
Recurrent stress causes the tendon to pull away from the shinbone thereby resulting in swelling, inflammation and pain. In some cases, the body may try to close the breach that has developed with new bone growth, which results in a bony lump at that spot.
Manifesting features are:
- Pain is the first characteristic feature; the pain associated with Osgood-Schlatter disease differs from one individual to another.Some have mild pain whilst performing the activities, while for others the pain is debilitating and continual.
- Usually the condition develops in one knee; however, sometimes it may develop in both knees.
- Swelling and inflammation.
- Discomfort lasts from a few weeks to months and could recur until the kid has stopped growing.
Home Remedies To Treat Osgood Schlatter Disease
Osgood-Schlatter disease is known to resolve without any major therapy. Symptoms vanish after the child’s bones cease to grow. Your doctor may advise pain relievers and physical therapy. Avoid over the counter analgesics; opt for homeopathic drugs instead. They are a safer option.
- A physical therapist will teach you exercises to stretch the quadriceps and hamstrings, which decreases tension on the spot where the kneecap’s tendon connects to the shinbone. Strengthening exercises for the muscles stabilize the joint.
- Rest the joint: Cut down on those activities which trigger the pain and discomfort.
- Apply ice frequently through the day; it will ease the pain and swelling.
- Essential oils are also decidedly beneficial for the complaint. You could confer with an aroma-therapist and a masseur. Ideally, clove essential oil and nutmeg essential oil yield wonderful benefits. Blend 2 drops of each essential oil with 10 ml of olive oil and massage gently in to the knee. Do this daily for a few months. It allays all pain and discomfort.
- Ginger is another excellent home remedy to manage the discomfort of the condition well. Have a glass of ginger tea once daily.
- Protect your knee: Whilst participating in sports, have him wear a pad over the knee, at the point where the knee gets irritated.
- Wear a strap: A patellar tendon strap fits just beneath the kneecap. It ‘tacks down’ the patella tendon during the sports activities and distributes some of the force away from the shinbone.
- Cross-training is another alternative. Propose that your child change to some other activities which do not involve jumping or running; recommend swimming or cycling until the symptoms diminish.