Osgood-Schlatter disease is probably the most frequent cause of knee pain in children. The condition occurs most commonly in children between the ages of 9 and 16 years but it can occur in younger children. Both boys and girls are equally vulnerable to its debilitating effects. Osgood-Schlatter disease is always characterized by activity-related pain that occurs a few inches below the knee-cap, or patella, on the front of the knee. The child will have swelling in the area, and tenderness to touch. Sports requiring lots of running, jumping, kneeling, and squatting are particularly associated. Many children first signal the start of the problem by rubbing the top of their “shinbones” with their hands, or even ice cubes, at practice sessions. The three main factors that contribute to Osgood-Schlatter are:

1. Between 9 and 16 years old.
2. Involved in youth sports.
3. In a “growth spurt”.

Until now the only approved treatment for Osgood-Schlatter Disease was abbreviated as “RICE”. This stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Often non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are also recommended. Unfortunately, many times these treatments may prove to be inadequate. The condition, osteochondrosis at the tendon’s attachment point on the tibial tubercle, may include microscopic bone chipping, inflammation and tears, and only in the most extreme cases, separation of both cartilage and bone from the tibia

However, based upon years of experience with OSD in young athletes in various sports and pursuits, there is a novel new product called Oscon. It appears to work on a variety of levels to help treat the painful condition. The method of action appears to be in at least three areas. First is the proven biological effect of certain vitamin E isomers on inflammatory free radicals. The most biologically active of these is RRR-a-tocopherol. Antioxidants such as vitamin E act to protect cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body’s metabolism. Second is an increase in glutathione peroxidase due to the increased presence of selenium. This enzyme is the general name of an enzyme family with peroxidase activity whose main biological role is to protect the organism from oxidative damage. The biochemical function of glutathione peroxidase is to reduce lipid hydroperoxides to their corresponding alcohols and to reduce free hydrogen peroxide to water. Thirdly, these two micronutrients seem act synergistically to reduce inflammation and pain due to free-radical activity at an injury site. Vitamin E has long been recommended as a topical wound healer, and it appears that certain forms have that effect when taken internally. More research is continuing on just why this combination is so remarkably effective in cases of Osgood-Schlatter. Improvement is almost always seen in less than a week.

For more information please contact the original source : Gary Nelson Pediatric Sports Therapy at www.osgood-schlatter.com

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