From: saj@b15.b15.ingr.com (Steve Jernigan)
Subject: Re: Knees (Osgood Schlatter Syndrome)
Summary: knees (osgood Schlatter)
Organization: Intergraph, Huntsville AL
Date: Mon, 13 Apr 92 18:11:36 GMT

Thanks for the info Robin.  I have since paid my Doctor a visit, but I still
have some questions based on what you said.  You seem to have had it longer
than I have.
> 
> Steve, I have Osgood Schlatter.  It began when I was about 11 years old
> as a result of ballet dancing.  I am also aware that it can be caused 
> by growth spurts. I had problems in many athletic areas during Jr. and High
> school because of the sensitive tissue just under my left kneecap.  (Not to
> mention the huge lump).  I was told time would heal the problem.

The sensitive muscle under the kneecap is familiar, but I do not have a lump
of any kind.

> 	The only time I am aware of the condition anymore is in the winter when
> I am chilled or when I drive for very long (I have to stretch out my leg).
> 
This also sounds familiar.

> 	The painful lump is a buildup of calcium caused by a tendon rubbing on
> the cartilage right below the knee.  When I danced, I worked my thigh muscles
> hard, and they a re attached to the tendon that goes around the kneecap and
> rubs on the cartilage.  I speculate that it affected me so much because I tend
> to use my thigh muscles much more than my calves in all sports. Only recently 
> have I learned 
> the correct form for running so that I use my calves more.

My doctor told me that what I was experiencing was due to the muscle that
connects the lower kneecap to the lower leg was partially seperated from the
bone at the lower end.  This was due, in my case, to running stress.  This was
visible even to me on an x-ray.  I was instructed to wrap this section of my
leg to assist the muscle in re-attaching and since I have done that I have
had no problems.  Unless there are different types of Osgood Schlatter, the
calcium buildup is probably something different in your case.  If any of 
this sounds incorrect, someone with more knowledge is welcome to correct me.
I dont't want to be wrong when comes to my knees.

> 	Do you have Osgood?  

Both legs, but slight in each.

> 	Oh, I remember one more thing:  When I developed Osgood in my right
> knee in high school, I talked to the doctor about continuing to run track.  He
> gave me motrin and said that running (or anything else) would not hurt my knee. 
> The pain I felt was not detrimental to my knee, in other words.  It just hurt
> like hell.  I opted to quit track rather than use drugs every day to stop the
> pain.  

Wise move, I don't know of any situation where you should run through that
kind of pain.  My doctor said the pain that went with Osgood was a result of
stress and seperation of the muscle and that you should stop if you experience
this.  Motrin has been recommended as a post-workout anti-inflammitory by
some doctors, but it should not be taken to mask the pain.  Ice is also a
good post workout anti-inflammitory, better IMHO.

> 	
> I hope I've told you something you didn't already know!
> 
> Robin
> 
It's always good to know you are not the only one.  Glad you are running without
pain also!

Steve J.
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