Osgood Slatters – What is it and how does it feel? The large muscle on the front of the thigh (quadriceps) attaches to the shin bone via the patella tendon. The function of this tendon is to transmit forces produced by the thigh muscle to the shin to support and move the knee joint. In children, the portion of the shin bone into which the patella tendon inserts is separated from the bulk of the shin bone by a growth plate. This growth plate enables bone growth to occur. However, it also represents a site of weakness in the bone. Forcible and repeated contraction of the thigh muscle can injure the growth plate – this is called Osgood Slatters disease. This commonly occurs in sports which involve running and jumping such as hurling and football and occurs during a period of rapid growth. During rapid growth, the thigh muscle and patella tendon become tighter as the bones grow faster than the muscles are able to lengthen and adapt. This leads to increased pulling of the thigh muscle and patella tendon on the shin bone and growth plate. The painful site is just below the kneecap on the bony bump on the front of the shin, called the tibial tuberosity. Pain is felt most commonly during activity or exercise. The tibial tuberosity may be swollen and often tender to touch. When to get treatment? If pain starts to develop just below the knee cap If the injured person is starting to limp If the pain is worsening even with rest If the pain has recurred a second time If the redness or swelling is not settling down If other symptoms are being experienced for example pins and needles, numbness, sharp/searing pain, night pain (while sleeping) Stretching, Strengthening, Taping and other managament techniques can greatly reduce the symptoms of this condition
Posted on: Wed, 26 Nov 2014 11:41:21 +0000
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