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Osgood-Schlatter "disease" anyone?

bin_tenn

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Is anyone here familiar with this condition, especially persistent into adulthood? I know, self diagnosing is no good. However, this is harmless (in the sense that it won't kill a person) and I'm thoroughly convinced that this is what I've dealt with for all these years. I'll start by explaining when / how it started, and where I am today.

So when I was a kid, I played on a baseball team and took karate classes, played basketball at the local park, rode a bicycle, skateboard or rollerblades all over town all the time. One day when I was between 12-14 (I don't recall exactly what year) I was outside at school playing football at recess. Suddenly, both of my knees popped and hurt like hell. I had to sit down, though I could still walk - it was just very painful. I dealt with it, and over time the pain subsided for the most part.

From that point forward, I've had what basically looks like two kneecaps on each leg. My actual kneecap, and a prominent / visible "nub" below them, which really show up when my legs are bent at the knees. When straight, they're hardly noticeable, and I probably only notice them then because I know they're there. I have occasional knee pain. I also cannot kneel on my knees because it hurts too much every time. Very uncomfortable.

I've looked it up, and Osgood-Schlatter is all I can come up with. It matches 100% and I don't mean that in a hypochondriac way, it's completely legit. If a doctor confirms that's not it, I'd be absolutely surprised. It's much more common in adolescents (when it started). It usually resolves on its own, but it can and sometimes does carry over into adulthood, either intermittently or persistent (what I have).

Do any of you have personal experience with this? Have you ever looked at options? The only sure fire way I've found is to surgically removed the "lesion" (the bony lump below the kneecap) and repair the tendon if needed. Since I don't have a lifestyle that exacerbates the issue (e.g. pain) I don't feel like surgery is needed, and I don't think I need anything else either other than avoiding situations that cause pain (like kneeling). I'm more interested in finding out I'm not alone, not really about "how do I get rid of it".

Thanks in advance! :D
 

Jennifer

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One of my son's has it, he's 27 now and it still bothers him from time to time.
 

bin_tenn

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One of my son's has it, he's 27 now and it still bothers him from time to time.
Ah, gotcha. Glad to know I'm not alone. I haven't found anyone at all who I know personally who has it. It's rather uncommon to persist in adults, apparently. Does your son do anything particular to help with it, or does he just avoid things that cause pain?
 

Jennifer

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Ah, gotcha. Glad to know I'm not alone. I haven't found anyone at all who I know personally who has it. It's rather uncommon to persist in adults, apparently. Does your son do anything particular to help with it, or does he just avoid things that cause pain?
His pediatrician told him he'd outgrow it, he never did. Through the years he learned how to avoid aggravating it. I clearly remember hearing him yell when he kneeled wrong or hit his knee (even slight contact would make him wince) .. ouch my oshgood schlater!
 

bin_tenn

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His pediatrician told him he'd outgrow it, he never did. Through the years he learned how to avoid aggravating it. I clearly remember hearing him yell when he kneeled wrong or hit his knee (even slight contact would make him wince) .. ouch my oshgood schlater!
Thanks for sharing! That's what I try to do, avoid aggravating it. I also get some pretty crazy pain when kneeling wrong or hitting my knee. I go to the doctor for a routine appt in a couple weeks, and I plan to ask him about it. I'm quite positive it's what I have, but I'd rather have a professional confirm it.
 

Doug97

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Thanks for sharing! That's what I try to do, avoid aggravating it. I also get some pretty crazy pain when kneeling wrong or hitting my knee. I go to the doctor for a routine appt in a couple weeks, and I plan to ask him about it. I'm quite positive it's what I have, but I'd rather have a professional confirm it.
How did your appointment go? What did the doc say?
 

bin_tenn

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Oh, I didn't go yet. Thanks for asking though. I thought I had to go for a med refill, but I actually don't have to go until December. I had one more 90-day refill earlier this month. :p
 

Doug97

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Oh well. I agree that you shouldn't get surgery for it unless you think you really need it. It sounds like you have found good coping mechanisms?
 

bin_tenn

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Yeah, for sure. At this point I don't think any treatment is necessary, just preventive measures. But I still want a medical professional to confirm my suspicion, because they could very well say that isn't what it is.
 
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