Osgood-Schlatter Disease

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

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a form of osteochondrosis, a disease of the growth center 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.

Checklist for Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Rating Nutritional Supplements Herbs
1Star Manganese, Vitamin B6, and Zinc (in combination)
Selenium
Vitamin E		  
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 An herb is primarily supported by traditional use, or the herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

What are the symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease? 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.

How is it treated? In most cases, symptoms disappear without treatment when a child’s growth is completed. Doctors may recommend applying ice to the knee when pain first appears, to help relieve inflammation, and limiting participation in sports and excessive exercise. In severe cases, immobilizing the leg in a cast or surgical treatment may be recommended.

Nutritional supplements 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.

References:

1. Reich, CJ. Vitamin E, selenium, and knee problems. Lancet 1976;i:257 [letter].

2. Wright JW. Personal correspondence, April 1997.

3. Aston B. Manganese and man. J Orthomolec Psychiatry 1980;9:237–49.