Schlatter's Disease

Schlatter's disease: understanding, symptoms and treatment

Schlatter's disease, also known as Osgood-Schlatter's disease, is a common condition that affects adolescents during their period of active growth. Named after the Swiss surgeon Nicolas Schlatter, who first described the condition in 1903, the disease has attracted attention in the medical community due to its frequency and potential impact on patients' quality of life.

Schlatter's disease belongs to a group of diseases known as osteochondrosis. It develops as a result of increased stress and stretching of the patellofemoral ligament, the structure that connects the knee and hip. With repeated microtrauma and overload, the ligament can become irritated and inflamed, which leads to the appearance of characteristic symptoms.

The main symptom of Schlatter's disease is pain in the front of the knee, which may worsen with physical activity. The pain usually comes on gradually and can be felt both during activity and at rest. Patients may also experience swelling and tenderness in the knee area, and in some cases may experience limited mobility of the joint.

The diagnosis of Schlatter's disease is usually based on symptoms, physical examination, and the patient's medical history. In some cases, additional tests, such as x-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be needed to rule out other possible causes of knee pain.

Treatment for Schlatter's disease is usually aimed at relieving symptoms and promoting healing of the ligaments. In most cases, conservative treatment is effective and includes the following approaches:

1. Limiting physical activity: Patients are advised to reduce the intensity of exercise and avoid activities that cause knee pain.

2. Applying Ice: Applying ice to the knee area can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

3. Using anti-inflammatory drugs: Your doctor may recommend taking anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, to relieve pain and inflammation.