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Youth Athlete Injury Prevention Program

Osgood-Schlatter Disease (OSD)

Osgood-Schlatter Disease (OSD) is an inflammation of the area right below the knee, where the patellar tendon attaches to the tibia, and is a common cause of knee pain in adolescents during puberty. While it is titled a disease, OSD is more of an overuse injury, occurring mostly in children who actively participate in sports involving running and jumping, as these actions cause repeated stress on the knee. Symptoms include swelling and PAIN below the kneecap where it can present as a BONY BUMP, especially during exercise. In some cases, athletes have to stop playing their sport for a few weeks until the symptoms subside. Occurring during puberty’s growth spurts, OSD typically affects boys ages 12 to 14 and girls ages 10 to 13.

Here at Lopez & Associates Physical Therapy, we can help treat this condition before it worsens while keeping your athlete in shape and in most cases playing.