Schlatter
Schlatter's disease, or Osgood-Schlatter disease, often occurs in children and adolescents during growth spurts. The condition leads to pain below the kneecap where the tendon from the thigh muscle (patellar tendon) attaches to the shin bone. The pain becomes more pronounced during sports without a long warm-up and can persist for a longer time, but it often heals with proper self-care and rehabilitation.
What is Schlatter's Disease?
During the growth period, the bone's growth plate is soft and susceptible. Repeated jerks, such as during running, jumping, and squatting, pull on the tendon attachment and can cause irritation, swelling, and pain. Children between 8 and 15 years old are often affected, especially with physical activity that puts a lot of strain on the knee.
Symptoms of Schlatter's Disease
Schlatter's disease usually manifests with symptoms that appear gradually and worsen with activity:
- A tender lump below the kneecap, where the tendon attaches.
- Pain when the child runs, jumps, bends the knee, or climbs stairs.
- Swelling and tenderness to the touch.
- Stiffness after rest, for example, after intense training or sitting for a long time.
Cause
The most common cause is young people participating in sports with a lot of jumping and running during an active growth spurt, when their skeletons have not yet fully matured. The tendon attachment is repeatedly pulled and becomes inflamed due to the strain. It is common in athletic youth, especially in sports such as football, handball, and track and field.
Diagnosis
Usually, examination by a physical therapist or doctor is sufficient: knee diagnostics and physical testing are often enough. In rare cases, X-rays or ultrasound may be needed to rule out other conditions.
Treatment of Schlatter's Disease
Treatment focuses on self-care and adapted training to allow pain and swelling to enable movement without worsening the injury:
-
Activity adjustment
The child should avoid activities that cause pain – especially jumping and running – but can continue with other movements that do not significantly strain the knee. -
Ice treatment
Cold packs (10–20 minutes) after activity calm pain and reduce swelling. -
Stretch and strength training
Focus on stretching the front and back of the thigh (quadriceps and hamstrings) to relieve the tendon attachment, preferably under the guidance of a physical therapist. -
Pain relief
If necessary, mild pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can be used in consultation with a healthcare provider. -
Knee protection
A patellar strap or knee brace with targeted compression (and possibly silicone pads) can relieve the tendon attachment and enable activity without pain.
Recommended products
When does Schlatter's disease disappear?
It usually subsides when growth matures, which occurs around 14 years for girls and 16 years for boys.
Does the child have to rest completely from sports?
No. If the knee does not hurt during golf, swimming, or cycling, these activities can continue. Sports with high impact should be avoided until the pain subsides.
Is surgery necessary?
Only if symptoms persist after growth, or in cases of cartilage damage. For most, self-care and exercise are sufficient.
Do patellar bands really help?
Yes, especially straps and knee braces with targeted compression help relieve pain and provide support during activity.
