Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Also indexed as: Osteochondrosis (Tibial Tuberosity), Tibial Apophysitis

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Children who play competitive sports during growth spurts may be prone to knee problems known as Osgood-Schlatter disease. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful:

What you need to know

  • Slow the motion
  • Avoid excessive sports activity or exercise that might aggravate the disease
  • Get extra anti-oxidants
  • Take 400 IU a day of vitamin E and 150 mcg a day of selenium to help the healing
  • Chill the pain
  • Apply ice regularly to the painful area to reduce inflammation

These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or chemist. Continue reading the full Osgood-Schlatter disease article for more in-depth, fully-referenced information on medicines, vitamins, herbs, and dietary and lifestyle changes that may be helpful.

About Osgood-Schlatter disease

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a form of osteochondrosis, a disease of the growth centre at the end of long bones. The disease occurs in adolescence, most commonly among 10- to 15-year-old boys, and is often the result of rapid growth combined with competitive sports that overstress the knee joint. The patellar tendon, which attaches the kneecap to the tibia, is sometimes strained and partially torn from the bone by the powerful quadriceps muscles. This tearing, called avulsion, may be extremely painful and is sometimes disabling. It may occur in one or both knees. The knee is usually tender to pressure at the point where the large tendon from the kneecap attaches to the prominence below.

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Product ratings for Osgood-Schlatter disease

Science Ratings Nutritional Supplements Herbs
2Stars

Selenium

Vitamin E

  
1Star

Manganese, vitamin B6, and zinc (in combination)

  
3Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1Star For a herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
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What are the symptoms?

People with Osgood-Schlatter disease experience tenderness, swelling, and pain just below one knee that usually worsens with activity, such as going up or down stairs, and is relieved by rest. Symptoms may also include the appearance of a bony bump below the knee cap that is especially painful when pressed.

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Other therapies

In most cases, symptoms disappear without treatment when a child’s growth is completed. Healthcare providers may recommend applying ice to the knee when pain first appears in order to help relieve inflammation. Participation in sports and excessive exercise might be limited. Severe cases might require immobilization of the leg in a cast or surgical treatment.

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Vitamins that may be helpful

Based on the personal experience of a doctor who reported his findings,1 some physicians recommend vitamin E (400 IU per day) and selenium (50 mcg three times per day). One well-known, nutritionally oriented doctor reports anecdotally that he has had considerable success with this regimen and often sees results in two to six weeks.2

Another group of doctors has reported good results using a combination of zinc, manganese, and vitamin B6 for people with Osgood-Schlatter disease; however, the amounts of these supplements were not mentioned in the report.3 Most physicians would consider reasonable daily amounts of these nutrients for adolescents to be 15 mg of zinc, 5 to 10 mg of manganese, and 25 mg of vitamin B6. Larger amounts might be used with medical supervision.

Are there any side effects or interactions?
Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions.

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References
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