Osgood-Schlatter Disease in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common problem for older children and teenagers. It usually happens when a child is growing a lot and their leg bones get longer.

This problem causes pain and swelling in the shinbone below the knee (patella). It can happen in one or both legs. The pain may come and go. In some cases, it lasts more than a year. It usually stops when your child stops growing a lot. After it stops, your child may have a painless bump on their bones.

There are things your child can do to feel better. Ice may help. So can limiting sports and activities that put pressure on the knee. Your doctor may also recommend pain medicine, leg stretches, or a pad to protect the painful area.

How can you care for your child at home?

• When your child has pain, rest the sore leg.
• Put ice or a cold pack on the knee for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's skin.
• Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for pain. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not give two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
• Let your child play sports and be active. This will not cause any long-term problems. If your child plays a sport with a lot of squatting or kneeling, they may have too much pain. Help them find a different position on the team or try a different sport until their pain is better.
• Have your child wear knee pads or patellar straps when playing sports or doing activities that put pressure on the knee.
• Have your child do simple stretches. This will help keep your child's legs flexible. Here are two that may help.
  • Quadriceps stretch: Your child lies on their side with one hand supporting the head. Your child bends the upper leg back and grabs the ankle with the hand. Then your child stretches the leg back. Hold the stretch at least 15 to 30 seconds, and repeat 2 to 4 times. Then your child should change sides and stretch the other leg.
  • Hamstring stretch: Your child sits on the floor with the right leg extended out straight, the knee slightly bent, and the toes pointing toward the head. Your child bends the left leg so that the left foot is next to the inside of the right thigh. Your child leans forward from the hips, and reaches for the right ankle. Your child should not try to touch their forehead to the knee. Hold the stretch at least 15 to 30 seconds, and repeat 2 to 4 times. Then your child should change sides and stretch the other leg.