Osgood Schlatter's Disease

Matt is a 23 years old store-keeper who doubles up as a forklift driver. He recently developed a left knee painful swelling during work and prolonged walking. He used to have knee pain during his teens when he was actively playing sports.

I examined his knee and found that he had a prominent tibial tuberosity which was tender and inflammed. I applied a patella knee brace for him but he refused to wear it. We ended up taping his knee (see photo) and it seemed to offer him some pain relief. I sent him off with some NSAIDS and advised him about RICE treatment.

Since it was quite mild, I would expect his pain to subside in 2 weeks but he should strengthen his core muscles, hamstring and quadriceps. He would only be fit to lift heavy weights after at least 4 weeks.