What are the treatments for the disease?

Treatment involves resting the area to allow it to heal. This means avoiding activities that cause pain in the knee or heel, such as kneeling, jumping, or running. Usually a splint or cast is not necessary, unless the pain is so severe that the child cannot walk. In this case, the child should be checked to see if something else is causing the pain. Applying an ice pack to the affected area may help. Non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen can help, too. In Osgood-Schlatter disease, wearing an elastic pad over the knee may prevent further irritation to the knee. In Sever disease, raising the heel of the shoe 1/4 to 1/2 inch will decrease the pull of the tendon on the heel while walking. Rarely in Osgood-Schlatter disease, the fragmented ends of the growing bones may not heal after the tips of the bones have fused. The condition may continue to be painful. In this case, the fragment may be removed in surgery.

What happens after treatment for the disease?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may cause stomach upset or allergic reaction. If surgery is necessary there are risks for stomach upset and allergic reaction to the anesthesia. There is also a potential for infection from the surgical opening.

How is the disease monitored?

Osgood-Schlatter and Sever diseases are common problems that affect 10 to 20 percent of young athletes. Neither condition will cause any long lasting damage. If the pain is tolerable, the child can continue to play sports, as long as he or she:

Most cases of Osgood-Schlatter or Sever diseases will get better in a year or two without treatment.