What is Osgood-Schlatter?
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common cause of knee pain in growing adolescents. It is an inflammation of the area just below the knee where the tendon from the kneecap (patellar tendon) attaches to the shinbone (tibia).
Typically, the tendon does not grow as fast as the bones in teenagers and this puts additional stress on that Patellar Tendon – Tibial joint. The problem is exacerbated by children that play a lot of sport, particularly those with a lot of running, either on hard ground or in hard footwear, like football boots.
FixMe Collagen
Daily addition of FixMe Collagen Tendon Support to your diet will help with patella tendon growth and support and reduce the stress on the patellar tendon attachment. Even better results will be achieved when combined with stretching and rolling of the quad muscle.
Exercises
Stretching and massaging the quad muscle will reduce the overall stress on the Patella Tendon and thus on that growth plate joint.
Using a foam roller on the quad muscle, and also down the side of the quad where the IT Band runs (Litotibial band on the outer side of the Quad) is also highly beneficial. Again, this will also help to relieve some of the tension on the patella tendon.
Why do so many NZ Kids have Osgood-Schlatter?
There are several reasons why these conditions are prevalent in New Zealand:
- Modern diets don’t have the same protein profile as those of our human ancestors, or even our parents. We’re just not gnawing on bones or chewing on fat and gristle. Many protein sources today are overly processed, and when we do eat red or white meat, it tends to be the ‘cleanest’ cuts.
- Collagen synthesis in the body requires an adequate supply of Vitamin C. Many kids tend to drop off consumption of fruit and vegetables in their teens.
- Sport is engrained in New Zealand culture. Most kids play sport of one form or another. Many kids won’t develop Osgood-Schlatter if they are not playing regular sport.
- Many grass-based sports in New Zealand are played on firmer / harder ground than other parts of the world. Netball has long been a staple and Basketball is on the rise in NZ too. Hard courts and firm ground can exacerbate the stress on those high-tension zones.