Osgood Schlatter Disease

Silicon Valley Orthopaedics can carry out a clinical examination to determine if your child is suffering from Osgood-Schlatter disease. The examination includes checking for swelling, pain levels and tenderness around the knee. An x-ray can provide a clearer picture of affected bones, especially where the kneecap connects to the shinbone.

Normal bone growth usually results in Osgood-Schlatter disease disappearing without the need for treatment. However, this knee condition is often painful, so Silicon Valley Orthopaedics will recommend effective medications for pain relief.

Your child may benefit from physical therapy, including exercises that stretch the quadriceps in the thigh. These exercises help to ease the strain on the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone. Recommended exercises promote stability of the knee joint, as well as strengthening the muscles and tendons in the thighs.

Surgery to Remove Bony Overgrowth

In some cases, a child may experience pain that persists after a growth spurt. Dr. Nic Gay and Dr. Masi Reynolds may recommend surgery to correct issues stemming from the bony overgrowth that is causing your child pain. You and your child can play an active role in treatment at home. Resting the joint and using ice to reduce swelling may ease the symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease.

It is important to discuss your child’s lifestyle during an examination at Silicon Valley Orthopaedics. Protecting the knee may include wearing a strap and halting activity in sports that involve running or jumping. Dr. Nic Gay and Dr. Masi Reynolds will attempt to take a conservative approach to treat Osgood-Schlatter disease. If surgery is needed, Silicon Valley Orthopaedics is committed to using procedures that promote joint preservation.

If you would like to learn more about treatment options for Osgood-Schlatter disease, book an appointment with Silicon Valley Orthopaedics in California today. Dr. Nic Gay and Dr. Masi Reynolds have extensive experience in sports medicine and orthopedic surgery.