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Common Condition (as seen in our office): Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a tendonitis (irritation of a tendon) that occurs in the tibial bone (just below the knee cap) of adolescents. The area is a sensitive growth area and can be very disabling. In some patients the soft tissue irritation becomes solid (ossifies) and awkward when kneeling on hard surfaces. Treatment for this condition can be as simple as restricting jumping, kicking and bounding activities to a complete immobilization. Ice is helpful and stretching of the quadriceps is also beneficial. Essentially, decreased tension (more flexible) on the quadriceps will provide less trauma to the tibia. This condition is typically episodic for a few weeks at a time and kids will out grow it within 2-3 years.
As stated above, stretching of the quadriceps will diminish the irritation on the tibial attachment. Active Release Technique (ART) is an extremely effective method of stretching the quadriceps and the infrapatellar tendon. ART in combination with icing, home stretching and rest will likely be the most effective and efficient method of getting your child back to their sports.
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