Osgood Schlatters Disease is a painful condition that affects the upper part of the shin. It is most common in adolescents who are active in sports, especially those who have recently experienced a ‘growth spurt’. It is more common in teenagers who play a lot of sport involving kicking, running or jumping. These kinds of sports cause repeated and vigorous use of the muscles on the front of the thigh – the quadriceps.
Overuse of the quadriceps can caused repeated strain on the patella tendon and cause localised pain and swelling. In severe cases, a limp or severe stiffness can develop.
Osgood Schlatters will usually respond well to rest or altered actvities such as walking, cycling and swimming. Osteopathy can speed up the healing process with soft tissue massage to the quadriceps muscles.