Merck Manual

Please confirm that you are not located inside the Russian Federation

Yes No

Leave this Site?

The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site.

Continue Cancel
Brought to you by
Merck Manual
Consumer Version
The trusted provider of medical information since 1899
Health Topics & Chapters
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Merck Manual
Consumer Version
The trusted provider of medical information since 1899
Health Topics & Chapters
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Home /
Quick Facts: Children's Health Issues /
Bone Disorders in Children /
... /
Osgood-Schlatter Disease /
IN THIS TOPIC

What is Osgood-Schlatter disease?

What are the symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease?

How can doctors tell if my child has Osgood-Schlatter disease?

How do doctors treat Osgood-Schlatter disease?

OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER

Bone Disorders in Children
Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Scoliosis

Test your knowledge

Effects of Aging on the Digestive System
Although aging does not affect the digestive system as much as it affects other organ systems, it can be a factor in several digestive system disorders. However, aging has only minor effects on the structure of which of the following parts of the digestive system?

More Content

Loading
Quick Facts

Osgood-Schlatter Disease

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Last full review/revision Oct 2019| Content last modified Oct 2019
Click here for the Professional Version
Get the full details
NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version
Click here for the Professional Version

What is Osgood-Schlatter disease?

Osgood-Schlatter disease is painful inflammation of the bone and cartilage at the top of a child's lower leg (shinbone).

  • Osgood-Schlatter usually happens to children 10 to 15 years old who are active in sports

  • It's caused by overuse of the leg

  • Your child will have pain, swelling, and tenderness in one knee

  • Doctors treat Osgood-Schlatter disease with pain medicine and rest

What are the symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease?

Symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter include:

  • Pain, swelling, and tenderness at the front of the knee, just below the kneecap

  • Pain that gets worse with activity and better with rest

Symptoms are usually in just one knee.

How can doctors tell if my child has Osgood-Schlatter disease?

Doctors can tell if your child has Osgood-Schlatter by asking about your child's symptoms and doing a physical exam. Sometimes, doctors do x-rays.

How do doctors treat Osgood-Schlatter disease?

Doctors will have your child:

  • Rest and avoid deep knee bends

  • Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen

  • Do stretching exercises

  • Apply ice to the knee

Usually children can continue to play sports while healing. Symptoms typically go away after several weeks or months.

If the disease is severe, doctors may:

  • Put a cast on the leg

  • Give corticosteroid shots

  • Do surgery

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Generic Name Select Brand Names
ibuprofen
 ADVIL, MOTRIN IB
NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version
Click here for the Professional Version
© 2020 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA)
Scoliosis
Others also read
Osgood-Schlatter Disease Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Köhler Bone Disease Köhler Bone Disease
Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease

Also of Interest

Videos

View All
Cochlear Implant
Video
Cochlear Implant
When sound waves reach the ear, they are gathered by the funnel-shaped outer ear and channeled...

SOCIAL MEDIA

Merck and the Merck Manuals

Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world. The Merck Manual was first published in 1899 as a service to the community. The legacy of this great resource continues as the Merck Manual in the US and Canada and the MSD Manual in the remainder of the world. Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge.

TRUSTe
TRUSTe

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

© 2020 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
TOP