Enfermedad de Osgood Schlatter

Osgood-Schlatter disease is defined by pain located in the anterior tibial tuberosity, the distal insertion of the patellar tendon, during sports or physical activity. Swelling is often associated with the pain in this area.

This is a very common cause of knee pain in children between 10 and 15 years of age, with cases also found in children younger than this age range. It is more common in boys.

It is caused by mechanical overload on a growth plate located in the tibia. These growth plates are a frequent source of injury due to their fragility. Intense physical activity causes excessive traction of the patellar tendon on this tibial growth plate, causing continued overload. This leads to impaired vascularization, impaired ossification, and inflammation in an attempt to repair the condition.

The goal of treatment focuses on pain reduction. Various measures are available for this purpose:

• Resting from sports (retaining the child's activity if possible).
• Stretching exercises, focusing on the thigh, quadriceps, and hamstring muscles.
• Applying local ice for 20 minutes after exercise.
• Applying anti-inflammatory medication.
• If these measures do not reduce the pain, stopping sports activities is indicated, and in severe cases, immobilization.

This condition usually resolves within 12 to 18 months, leaving no lasting effects.

Make an appointment with Dr. Jordi Jiménez. He will see you in the center of Palma and help you regain your quality of life.