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Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Kids who play competitive sports during growth spurts may be prone to knee problems known as Osgood-Schlatter disease. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
- Slow the motion
Avoid excessive sports activity or exercise that might aggravate the disease
- Get extra antioxidants
Take 400 IU a day of vitamin E and 150 mcg a day of selenium to help the healing
- Chill the pain
Apply ice regularly to the painful area to reduce inflammation
Also indexed as:
- Osgood Schatters,
- Osgood-Schlatter condition,
- Osgood-Schlatter disease
About this treatment
About This Condition
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a form of osteochondrosis, a disease of the growth center at the end of long bones. The disease occurs in adolescence, most commonly among 10- to 15-year-old boys, and is often the result of rapid growth combined with competitive sports that overstress the knee joint. The patellar tendon, which attaches the kneecap to the tibia, 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.
Symptoms
People with Osgood-Schlatter disease experience tenderness, swelling, and pain just below one knee that usually worsens with activity, such as going up or down stairs, and is relieved by rest. Symptoms may also include the appearance of a bony bump below the knee cap that is especially painful when pressed.
Last Review: 05-11-2011
Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.
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