For young athletes, knee pain can be an unwelcome companion, often related to overuse injuries. Two common conditions affecting the knee’s extensor mechanism in adolescents are Osgood-Schlatter Disease and Sinding-Larsen-Johansson Syndrome.
What Happens in the Knee?
The extensor mechanism—the muscles, tendons, and bones that help straighten the knee—takes on a lot of stress during activities like running, jumping, and squatting. These movements are common in sports, and for young athletes whose bones are still growing, this stress can lead to pain and irritation where tendons attach to bones.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease: A Common Knee Pain in Teens
Osgood-Schlatter Disease is one of the most frequent causes of knee pain in active teens. It occurs at the tibial tubercle—the bony bump just below the knee where the patellar tendon attaches. This condition, also known as traction apophysitis, is more common in boys around age 13 and in girls around age 12. It typically presents as a painful, swollen bump on the tibial tubercle, especially noticeable after sports activities.
A case example: Imagine a 13-year-old soccer player, Alex, who recently started experiencing pain below his knee after games. He notices a hard, swollen bump that’s tender to the touch. His pain worsens with running and jumping, making it difficult to continue playing. X-rays show slight irregularities in the tibial tubercle, confirming Osgood-Schlatter Disease. His doctor recommends rest, ice, and gentle stretching exercises to relieve the pain and reduce inflammation. Within a few months, the pain subsides, and Alex is back to playing soccer, pain-free.
Sinding-Larsen-Johansson Syndrome: Similar Pain, Different Spot
This condition is similar to Osgood-Schlatter but occurs at the distal pole of the patella (the bottom of the kneecap). It’s more common in male athletes between the ages of 11 and 13, presenting as pain and mild swelling at the inferior pole of the patella.
Both of these conditions result from the same mechanism: repetitive stress on areas where tendons attach to bones during growth spurts.
How Are These Conditions Treated?
The good news is that both Osgood-Schlatter Disease and Sinding-Larsen-Johansson Syndrome are usually self-limiting, meaning they improve as the bones finish growing. Treatments focus on relieving symptoms and include:
- Rest: Taking a break from sports or activities that trigger pain.
- Ice: Applying ice to reduce swelling and pain.
- Stretching and Strengthening: Gentle stretches for the hamstrings and strengthening exercises for the quadriceps help reduce tension on the tendon.
- Supportive Straps: Patellar tendon taping or using Chopart’s straps can provide relief during activities.
Once the growth plate closes, the pain typically subsides, and most athletes can return to their sports without long-term issues.
By understanding and addressing these common overuse conditions, young athletes can protect their knees and keep doing what they love!