The area is tender to pressure and swelling may be minimal to very marked. Running, jumping, and climbing stairs cause discomfort.
Symptoms occur on one or both legs.
The disorder is seen most often in active, athletic adolescents, boys being more often affected than girls. Bone X-ray may be normal or may show soft tissue swelling , thickened ligament, and possibly free bone particles near the anterior tubercle . In many cases, the condition will disappear with rest, pain medication , and the reduction of sports or exercise . In the rare case where symptoms do not resolve, the affected leg may be immobilized by a cast or brace until the healing takes place, which typically takes 6 to 8 weeks. Crutches can be used for walking to keep weight off the affected leg.