What is the first-line treatment for Osgood-Schlatter disease?

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common knee condition that generally affects adolescents during periods of rapid growth. It is characterized by inflammation of the patellar tendon at the tibial tuberosity, where the tendon attaches to the bone. The condition is often associated with activities that involve running, jumping, or kneeling.

The first-line treatment for Osgood-Schlatter disease focuses on conservative management to relieve symptoms and promote recovery. Rest and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) play a crucial role in this initial approach.

Rest helps to alleviate stress and strain on the affected knee, allowing the inflammation to subside. NSAIDs are effective in reducing pain and inflammation, thus providing symptomatic relief and enabling the patient to gradually return to normal activities.

In addition to rest and NSAIDs, other supportive measures such as ice therapy and stretching exercises may be recommended, but they are not considered primary treatments. Physical therapy can also be beneficial in the rehabilitation phase, focusing on strengthening and flexibility exercises once the acute symptoms have improved, but it is not the first-line treatment.

Surgical intervention is rarely needed for Osgood-Schlatter disease and is typically reserved for severe cases that do not respond to conservative management