Osgood-Schlatter disease is a condition that primarily affects pre-pubescent children during a period of rapid bone growth. The injury is believed to be caused by repeated strain on the connective tissue at the point it connects to the shin bone before the bone has finished growing. This causes pain, tenderness and swelling along the front of the knee. Treatment for this painful condition often involves nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, resting the knee and exercises to stretch the muscles of the affected leg. Work with your adolescent's physician to determine the best course of treatment.
Standing Quadriceps Stretch
The quadriceps stretch is designed to help stretch the large muscle group located along the front of your thigh. Stand next to a wall or other sturdy surface you can hold onto for support. Bend your affected leg and reach down with your hand to grab your foot around your ankle. Use your arm to pull your heel toward your buttocks. When you feel a good stretch along the front of your leg, stop pulling and hold this position for about 20 seconds.
Lying Hamstring Stretch
This stretch helps lengthen the long hamstring muscles along the back of your thigh. Lie down on your back with your hips positioned in a doorway and your legs extending through the doorway. Lift your affected leg and place your heel on the wall next to the door frame. Your other leg should remain on the ground and extended in front of your body. You should feel a stretch in the back of the leg that is positioned on the wall. Hold this stretch for about 20 seconds and relax.
Standing Calf Stretch
This stretch is designed to stretch your calf muscle located along the back of your shin, to help ease the strain on your affected tendon. Stand facing a wall and place your hands on the wall at about shoulder height. Place your affected leg behind your body and your unaffected leg in front of your body as if you were walking. Turn your rear foot inward slightly and lean forward until you feel a stretch in the back of your lower leg. Hold this stretch for about 20 seconds and relax.
Prone Hip Extension
The hip extension exercise helps stretch the muscles of your thigh while simultaneously helping strengthen your upper leg muscles to stabilize your knee. Lie down on your stomach with your legs extended behind your body and your arms by your sides. Use your buttocks and thigh muscles to lift your injured leg off the floor while keeping your knee as straight as possible. Hold this position for about five seconds and then slowly lower your leg back to the floor.
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