From the Research
The treatment for Osgood-Schlatter disease of the right knee primarily involves conservative management, focusing on reducing stress on the patellar tendon attachment and maintaining overall knee function, as recommended by the most recent and highest quality study 1. The goal of treatment is to alleviate pain and inflammation, while allowing the growth plate to close naturally. Key components of conservative management include:
- Rest from activities that aggravate the pain, such as running, jumping, and kneeling
- Applying ice to the painful area for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours when experiencing discomfort
- Using over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen (400-600mg three times daily with food) or acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours, not exceeding 4000mg daily) to manage pain and inflammation
- Performing gentle stretching exercises for the quadriceps and hamstrings daily, holding each stretch for 30 seconds and repeating 3-5 times
- Wearing a patellar tendon strap just below the kneecap during physical activity to distribute forces away from the tibial tuberosity In severe cases, a knee immobilizer may be recommended for 2-4 weeks, and physical therapy focusing on strengthening the surrounding muscles while avoiding painful movements can be beneficial 2, 3. Most cases resolve with these measures within 12-24 months as the growth plate closes, and surgery is rarely needed but may be considered if symptoms persist into adulthood 4, 5.