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If you have an active child between the ages of 10 and 15, he or she may have experienced the pain of Osgood-Schlatter disease. Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common cause of knee pain in children and young adults. It usually begins during a growth spurt, causing a sore bump under the knee cap, on the tibial tuberosity.
The Origin of Most Knee Pain in Children
The long bones in a child's arms and legs have a growth plate at each end of the bone, made of cartilage. The patellar tendon is a rope-like structure that connects the patella (bottom of the kneecap) to the tibia (top of the large shin bone). As the child grows, stress on the growth plate can cause irritation where the patellar tendon attaches to the tibia. In most cases, the child feels knee pain during activities like running, jumping and squatting. While it usually occurs in just one knee, both knees can be affected by Osgood-Schlatter disease.
Statistics show that Osgood-Schlatter disease affects about 20 percent of children who participate in sports. This type of knee pain usually goes away after the bones stop growing, and there may be no treatment required. Some of the Osgood-Schlatter disease treatments a physician may recommend for this childhood injury are over-the-counter pain relievers, certain strengthening exercises, and knee braces to help minimize knee pain.
Knee Brace Options for Osgood-Schlatter Disease
“One of the options for Osgood-Schlatter is a low-profile Pro-Tec knee strap, which gives you a buttress,” says Ali Faour, a store manager at the SportMed Retail Group and a HealthChoicesFirst.com partner. “That goes on the infrapatellar tendon, creating a little bit of pressure and creating a new insertion point.”
The Pro-Tec knee strap isn't a full leg brace, but rather an adjustable strap that provides lightweight compression and support for children suffering from knee pain.
So, if your child is experiencing knee pain, it may be Osgood-Schlatter disease. The first step is to schedule an appointment with his or her physician. The physician can perform an examination of the knees, take X-rays if necessary, and recommend bracing options such as the Pro-Tec knee strap for childhood knee pain.
Watch our Children's Health videos for more relevant information.
Visit Paris Orthotics for a wide selection of prescription foot orthotics, shoes and sandals, and compression socks. The team at Paris Orthotics treats patients with many different health conditions, including arthritis, corns and callouses, and plantar fasciitis. If you're experience lower extremity problems or want more information on prescription foot orthotics, consult your local pedorthist or orthotist.
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