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Osgood-Schlatter Disease (OSD) is an inflammation where the tendon from the patella (kneecap) attaches to the tibia (shin bone). Preteens and young teens are particularly susceptible to stresses in this area, because the bone is growing rapidly at this age. Any activity can cause OSD, but it's more common following activities that involve a lot of jumping and cutting, like basketball, volleyball, soccer, figure skating and gymnastics.
The patellar tendon is sometimes strained and partially torn from the bone by the powerful quadriceps muscles. This tearing, called avulsion, may be extremely painful and is sometimes disabling. It may occur in one or both knees. The knee is usually tender to pressure at the point where the large tendon from the kneecap attaches to the prominence below, creating the typical symptom of pain in the front of the shin about 2 to 3 inches below the kneecap. There may also be swelling in the area, especially if the condition has been present for several months. Symptoms can range from mild knee pain only during sports to constant pain that makes participation impossible.
Treatment & Prevention
The following stretches for the quadriceps and hamstrings may relieve some of the pain and allow continuation of sports activities. Hold each stretch for 10 seconds, and repeat 10 times for each leg, 2 to 3 times per day. Stop after 7-10 days, whether there is improvement or not.
Quadriceps stretch. To stretch the quadriceps (the muscles in front of the thigh), lie stomach down and bend one knee. Using the hand on the same side as the bent knee, reach back and grab your ankle. Pull the foot downward until the heel is touching your buttock, if possible.
Hamstring stretch. The "hurdler's stretch" works the hamstrings (in back of the thigh). Sit with one leg straight out in front and the other leg bent, and lean forward, keeping the knee straight. Try to lean from your hips and keep your back fairly straight. You'll feel a stretch in the back of your thigh.
Two of the most powerful anti-inflammatory remedies you can use are Bromelain - an enzyme derived from fresh pineapple juice and Boswellia - a herbal resin extracted from the gum of the Indian Boswellia serrata tree. Bromelain is available on its own but is also now starting to be incorporated into adult joint formulations.
Complications
About 60% of adults who once experienced OSD have some pain with kneeling when they are adults.
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Conditions that suggest Osgood-Schlatter Disease:
Risk factors for Osgood-Schlatter Disease:
Recommendations and treatments for Osgood-Schlatter Disease: | | | | | Mineral |  Selenium
 Zinc
 Manganese |
Physical Medicine |
Cold Applications
Hot Applications | If your pain is mild, you can probably continue to participate in your sport. Using a heating pad or warm, moist compresses at the site for 15 minutes before activity and/or using ice for 20 minutes after activity may help. |
Physical Supports and Devices| | If symptoms are severe, treatment may include taking a break from sports or wearing a plaster cast or brace. |
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Vitamins |
Vitamin E| | 400 I.U. bid of vitamin E along with selenium at 200mcg per day has proven beneficial against Osgood-Schlater disease. Vitamin E can be applied topically along with DMSO. This can also be used for growing pains in the legs, inside or around the shins. [Marz, p.186, 1997] |
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) |
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KEY | | Weak or unproven link |  | | Proven definite or direct link | | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Anti-inflammatory (Antiinflammatory)
Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms, without directly acting on the cause of inflammation, e.g., glucocorticoids, aspirin.
BID
Twice per day.
Enzymes (Enzyme)
Specific protein catalysts produced by the cells that are crucial in chemical reactions and in building up or synthesizing most compounds in the body. Each enzyme performs a specific function without itself being consumed. For example, the digestive enzyme amylase acts on carbohydrates in foods to break them down.
Growing Pains
Unexplainable pain, usually in the legs, that occurs in growing children and is not accompanied by swelling or any other symptoms. Treatment includes massage and rest. The problem is distinguishing this pain from that caused by more serious problems: even physicians often have difficulty knowing how many laboratory and X-ray tests to perform.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Microgram (mcg, Micrograms, ug)
0.000001 or a millionth of a gram.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease
One of the most common causes of knee pain in young athletes. It causes swelling, pain and tenderness just below the knee, at the top of the shin bone (tibia). It occurs mostly in boys who are having a growth spurt. One or both knees may be affected.
Selenium
An essential element involved primarily in enzymes that are antioxidants. Three selenium- containing enzymes are antioxidant peroxidases and a fourth selenium-containing enzyme is involved in thyroid hormone production. The prostate contains a selenium-containing protein and semen contains relatively large amounts of selenium. Clinical studies show that selenium is important in lowering the risk of several types of cancers. In combination with Vitamin E, selenium aids the production of antibodies and helps maintain a healthy heart. It also aids in the function of the pancreas, provides elasticity to tissues and helps cells defend themselves against damage from oxidation.
Stomach
A hollow, muscular, J-shaped pouch located in the upper part of the abdomen to the left of the midline. The upper end (fundus) is large and dome-shaped; the area just below the fundus is called the body of the stomach. The fundus and the body are often referred to as the cardiac portion of the stomach. The lower (pyloric) portion curves downward and to the right and includes the antrum and the pylorus. The function of the stomach is to begin digestion by physically breaking down food received from the esophagus. The tissues of the stomach wall are composed of three types of muscle fibers: circular, longitudinal and oblique. These fibers create structural elasticity and contractibility, both of which are needed for digestion. The stomach mucosa contains cells which secrete hydrochloric acid and this in turn activates the other gastric enzymes pepsin and rennin. To protect itself from being destroyed by its own enzymes, the stomach’s mucous lining must constantly regenerate itself.
Vitamin E
An essential fat-soluble vitamin. As an antioxidant, helps protect cell membranes, lipoproteins, fats and vitamin A from destructive oxidation. It helps protect red blood cells and is important for the proper function of nerves and muscles. For Vitamin E only, 1mg translates to 1 IU.
Last updated: Apr 13, 2008
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